FRISCO, Texas (May 9, 2023) – North Texas SC has signed defender Isaiah Kaakoush from Barça Residency Academy USA to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026. FC Dallas previously acquired Kaakoush’s MLS Homegrown Priority from Real Salt Lake.
Kaakoush, 16, started his soccer career at age six playing for Real Salt Lake Arizona. He played for six years at the MLS affiliate club before joining the Barça Residency Academy USA program located in Casa Grande, Arizona, in 2021. As a Blaugrana, Kaakoush registered over 80 appearances and netted 20 goals in three years. He started playing with the U-14 squad and played up with the U-19s at the age of 15. Kaakoush signed a USL Academy Contract with Phoenix Rising FC on January 4, 2024.
“We’re looking forward to bringing Isaiah (Kaakoush) into our program. He is a top young talent that likes to play controlled, responsible football,” said North Texas SC Head Coach John Gall. “We are all about developing players with a winning mentality and this is another example of our club identifying a player with a high ceiling. Isaiah is a determined kid that will thrive in our environment.”
Kaakoush becomes the second player alongside Leonard Orejarena to sign a professional contract with North Texas SC from Barça Residency Academy USA.
Kaakoush earned three U.S. U-15 National Team call-ups during the 2023 season. He featured in three friendly matches for America against England, Spain, and Japan’s Youth National Teams.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Full Name: Isaiah Kaakoush
Preferred Name: Koush
Pronunciation: KAH-koosh
Connect with Isaiah: Instagram
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: January 20, 2008 (16)
Birthplace: Maricopa, Arizona
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
Nationality: American and Lebanese
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Last Club: Barça Residency Academy USA
Transaction: North Texas SC signs defender Isaiah Kaakoush to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract through the 2025 season with club option for 2026.
