Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union have acquired Houston Dynamo’s Natural First Round selection, currently No. 6 overall, in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, along with both General and Targeted Allocation Money in a trade with Houston Dynamo. The Union sent midfielders Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger to the Dynamo. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We set out this offseason with a clear direction and this helps us start that process” Union technical director Chris Albright said. “We greatly value the increased cap flexibility, as well as the opportunity to have two high picks in the upcoming draft, increasing our ability to re-shape the roster. Cristian and Andrew should be commended for their time here and we wish them the best of luck.”
Houston will convey their highest first round selection to the Union, currently at No. 6. If Houston acquires a pick higher than No. 6 prior to the draft, it will be conveyed to the Union, rather than No. 6. Currently, the Union will hold the No. 3 and No. 6 overall picks in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, which will be held Jan. 14 in Baltimore, Md. The Union will also have Orlando City SC’s second round pick, which the club acquired in a deal for Amobi Okugo on Dec. 8, 2014, giving them a total of three of the top 30 picks.
Maidana, 28, joined the Union prior to the 2014 season. He played in 54 games, had 48 starts and scored three goals in his two seasons with the club. Wenger, 24, joined the Union shortly after the start of the 2014 season on April 4. He played in 54 games, had 41 starts and scored seven goals.
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The Philadelphia Union have acquired Colorado Rapids’ natural second round selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for goalkeeper Zac MacMath, the club announced today. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
MacMath, 24, was drafted by the Union with the No. 5 pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. With the Union, he played in 103 games, had 102 career starts and finished with a record of 34-39-29. He was loaned to Colorado for the duration of the 2015 season where he made three starts and had a 1-2-0 record.
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The Philadelphia Union have acquired New York City FC’s natural fourth round selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for defender Ethan White, the club announced today. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“In discussions with the staff, it was evident that Ethan was a consummate pro during his time with the club,” Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said. “We want to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck in his future.”
White, 24, played in 28 games with 25 starts in two seasons with the Union. He originally joined the club from D.C. United on Jan. 14, 2014, in exchange for Jeff Parke. He did not register a goal or an assist in his time with the club.
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The club has also picked up the contract options of Eric Ayuk, Leo Fernandes, Sebastien Le Toux, Richie Marquez, Vincent Nogueira, Zach Pfeffer and C.J. Sapong. They will join Tranquillo Barnetta, Andre Blake, Maurice Edu, Raymon Gaddis and John McCarthy, who were already under contract for the 2016 season.
The club also announced it has declined contract options on goalkeeper Zac MacMath, defender Steven Vitoria, midfielders Fred, Eric Bird, Danny Cruz and Jimmy McLaughlin, and forwards Dzenan Catic, Conor Casey and Antoine Hoppenot. The club is currently in advanced discussions with midfielder Warren Creavalle, who is eligible for Re-Entry.
In addition, Fabinho, Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud are out of contract and are currently in negotiations with the club. Forward Fernando Aristeguieta is on loan until the end of the calendar year and the club is in discussions with FC Nantes in regards to a possible extension. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre remains on loan.
