One Knoxville SC's Krioutchenkov Named League One Young Player

The 22-year-old Israeli forward, in his first season with the club, earned the USL League One award for players under 23.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Soccer

Denis Krioutchenkov was named USL League One Young Player of the Year, the first One Knoxville SC player to earn the honor, after a standout debut season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Denis Krioutchenkov was named USL League One Young Player of the Year, becoming the first One Knoxville SC player to earn the honor. The award is voted on by technical staff and executives from around the league and recognizes the top player under the age of 23.

Why it matters

The honor highlights a standout debut season for Knoxville's USL League One club, which finished sixth in the regular season and reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year. It also reflects a rising young attacking talent in the league.

Krioutchenkov scored at least 10 goals and recorded five assists, placing second in League One with 43 shots on target and 4.6 shots per 90 minutes. He ranked fourth in strike rate among players with double-digit goals, averaging one goal roughly every 172.6 minutes.

The players

Denis Krioutchenkov

A 22-year-old forward from Israel who joined One Knoxville SC for his first professional season and quickly became one of the league's most productive attackers.

One Knoxville SC

A USL League One soccer club based in Knoxville, Tennessee, which finished sixth in the regular season and reached the playoffs for the third straight year.

The details

Krioutchenkov, who came off the bench to score twice in Knoxville's 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup upset of MLS side D.C. United, was also named to the USL League One All-League First Team. The award recognizes the league's top player under 23 and was his first season with One Knoxville SC.

2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: scored twice in the upset of D.C. United.
2026 season: recorded 10 goals and five assists in his first season with the club.
November 12, 2026: named USL League One Young Player of the Year.

Season Trajectory

The award adds individual recognition to One Knoxville SC's run of three straight playoff appearances in USL League One. It signals the club is developing young talent that can compete with the league's established attacking players.

For fantasy and league followers, Krioutchenkov's 43 shots on target and high shot volume make him a notable young attacker to track. The award also signals that One Knoxville SC's development system is producing players who draw league-wide attention.

The takeaway

Young players can earn league-wide recognition quickly when they combine high shot volume with efficient finishing. Fans following USL League One should watch emerging forwards on mid-table clubs, where opportunities for breakout seasons are often greatest.