Summer of Soccer: Top 20 locals to watch at World Cup, Gold Cup & more

Chantelle Swaby beats Brazilian midfielder Formiga during a FIFA Women's World Cup Group C match. (Elsa/Getty Images)

As the club soccer season winds down across New England, the professional one flips into second gear.

On the international scene, the FIFA Women's World Cup in France is already underway and the Gold Cup will soon begin. Meanwhile on the domestic scene, MLS, USL and the NWSL all carry on past the midway point.

Whether you're watching a game in person, on television or streaming it, there tends to be a New England connection more often that not. Players were born here or went to college here, with many spending their youth careers at prominent local clubs.

As that all unfolds, here's a look at 20 players from or connected to New England that you should be keeping an eye on.