Union Selects Midfielder, Defender in First 2 Rounds of 2017 Draft

Report From Philadelphia Union

LOS ANGELES – Philadelphia Union today selected two players in the opening rounds of the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, with the First and Second Rounds held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Philadelphia selected University of South Florida midfielder Marcus Epps at 25^th overall as well as Clemson University defender Aaron Jones at 33^rd overall.

 

Epps was selected by Philadelphia following a trade completed with Minnesota United FC. The Union acquired the pick from the Loons in exchange for the 42^nd overall pick, in addition to $50,000 of 2018 General Allocation Money.

 

“During today’s SuperDraft, we made two picks that we are very pleased with, players that we had targeted,” said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Marcus is a tall, fast player with a great ability on the ball to play one-v-one, and we’re pleased that we were able to trade up to select him. Aaron, meanwhile, is a very smart, intelligent defender who has a great understanding of the game. We look forward to the opportunity to develop both of these players as we welcome them to the Union family.”

 

PHOTOS OF MARCUS EPPS AND AARON JONES FOR MEDIA USE:http://bit.ly/2jOdEZp. Please credit MLS Communications for all Combine photos and Clemson Athletics for all collegiate photos of Jones.

 

Epps, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, totaled eight goals and nine assists for the University of South Florida Bulls. A 2015 Second Team All-American Athletic Conference, Epps, 21, made 75 appearances over his four-year college career.

 

Jones, 22, was selected in the Second Round by the Union eight picks later at 33^rd overall. A defender, Jones played for two seasons at Georgia State University before transferring to Clemson University for two additional collegiate campaigns. The Great Yarmouth, England native was Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2014.

 

The Union begin the 2017 campaign by playing at Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, March 5 (9:30 p.m. ET) before returning to Talen Energy Stadium for the 2017 home opener on Saturday, March 11 against Toronto FC (4:30 p.m. ET). In addition to Season Tickets, fans can now purchase Partial Plans and Group Tickets for all Philadelphia Union matches at Talen Energy Stadium.  For the first time, the Union will be offering a Fully Flex 9 Game Plan where fans can select their games along with a Tiered Flex 5 Game plan. Fans can purchase or find out more info by visiting PhiladelphiaUnion.com/tickets or calling 1-877-21-UNION.

 

TRANSACTIONS: Philadelphia Union selected midfielder Marcus Epps in the Second Round (25^th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft after acquiring the pick from Minnesota United FC in exchange for the 42^nd overall pick, in addition to $50,000 of 2018 General Allocation Money. Philadelphia also selected defender Aaron Jones in the Second Round (33^rd overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. All transactions occurred on January 13, 2017.

 

Name: Marcus Epps
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 155
Born: January 16, 1995 in Jackson, Mississippi
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Citizenship: United States
Drafted: Selected in the Second Round (25th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13, 2017

Previous Experience: University of South Florida (2013-2016)

 

Name: Aaron Jones
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 160
Born: March 12, 1994 in Great Yarmouth, England
Hometown: Great Yarmouth, England
Citizenship: United Kingdom
Drafted: Selected in the Second Round (33rd overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13, 2017
Previous Experience: Georgia State University (2013-2014), Clemson University (2015-2016)