Arda Bulut signed his first professional soccer contract with USL Championship side Louisville City FC on Thursday after two seasons with the San Francisco Glens in USL League Two.

The 20-year-old striker, who won a national championship and two Pac-12 titles at Stanford, credited his time with the Glens for being an important of his development from college to the next level.

“I just want to give my best to the whole SF Glens organization and thank them for pushing me, and thank coaches Javier [Ayala-Hil] and Jimmy Conrad for being instrumental in my progress over the summers,” said Bulut. 

“I also want to give a shout-out to Jimmy Conrad for being so helpful with my transition to being a professional soccer player and giving me advice whenever I need it.”

Bulut became a popular figure with the youth players in the Glens’ Academy. After watching him play for the Glens, over 70 players and parents have taken the trip down to Stanford to attend Cardinal games as well.

“I also want to wish the [Glens] Academy boys and girls the best of luck, and keep pushing as hard as you can, because you never know what doors are going to open in the future,” Bulut said. 

Bulut makes it a staggering 28 Glens the last two years alone who have either been drafted by MLS clubs, signed pro contracts, or used their time with the club as a platform to play in college.

“I just want to take a moment to congratulate Arda on signing his first professional contract with Louisville City FC,” said Glens executive director Mike McNeill. “It’s been great having him in our program the past two years. We wish him all the best.

“Also a big shout-out to Jeremy Gunn and the Stanford coaching staff for entrusting the Glens over the summers to have Arda be part of our program in USL League Two.”

Learn more about our Pathway Pyramid: sfglens.com/pathway