The club announced on Friday that the midfielder, a product of its academy and the ninth “homegrown player” in its history, signed an MLS contract through 2020 with options for 2021 and 2022.

It said on its website that Kuzain was its first homegrown signing to progress from the academy to affiliate club Swope Park Rangers and then to its own senior team.

Kuzain had helped Swope Park to a second straight Western Conference Final championship, held under the United Soccer League (USL), in November last year after debuting for the side in March.

Sporting Kansas City said he recorded a 91.3% passing accuracy last season, ranking first in USL among players with at least five appearances.

He had trained with the US under-17 men’s national team in 2013 and 2014, as well as Dutch club Feyenoord in late 2015, it added.

“Kuzain is a player who has come through our academy and developed at an incredible rate,” club manager Peter Vermes was quoted as saying on the website.

“He has an excellent understanding of his role in our model of play, and there is no doubt in our mind that he is deserving of a shot at the next level.

“As someone with a great attitude and mentality, Kuzain exudes many of the core values we have as a club. He has a very bright future ahead of him,” Vermes added.

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Kuzain said he was excited and thankful for the opportunity. “This is something that all young players want to experience,” he was quoted as saying.

“It’s great to be a part of everything at the club, knowing that I moved from the academy to the Rangers and now get my chance with the first team.

“I’m not just representing myself, I’m representing all of the academy coaches and staff,” he added.