Philly Sports Jabronis
Reports From Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union Signs SuperDraft Selection Jack Elliott
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union have announced that they have signed defender Jack Elliott, who becomes the third member of the club’s 2017 MLS SuperDraft class to ink an MLS contract, joining Marcus Epps and Aaron Jones. Elliott was originally selected by the club on January 17 at 77th overall and has been with the Union during their preseason training in its entirety. Elliott is set to be added to the Union’s active roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa.
“We are excited to welcome Jack to the Union as he officially signs an MLS contract and joins our centerback group,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “When you look at Jack, the first thing you notice is his height, an asset that we believe will serve him well as a professional. He is a good passer who reads the game well. He has performed well in preseason and we look forward to working with him this season and beyond.”
Elliott, 21, was selected in the Fourth Round of last month’s SuperDraft out of West Virginia University. A native of London, England, he appeared in 68 matches, while recording six goals and five assists. Elliott was named to the 2016 NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region First Team in addition to earning CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team honors, becoming WVU’s first three-time Academic All-America honoree.
While with Philadelphia in preseason camp, Elliott started and played the full 90 minutes in the club’s 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies (February 18). He also came on in the 63rd minute of the Union’s 2-2 draw against Montreal (February 22).
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender and 77th overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Jack Elliott on February 24, 2017.
Name: Jack Elliott
Position: Defender
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 180
Born: August 24, 1995 in London, England
Hometown: London, England
Citizenship: United Kingdom
Acquired: Selected in the Fourth Round (77th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 17, 2017. Signed by Philadelphia on February 24, 2017
Previous Experience: West Virginia University (2013-2016)
Philadelphia Union Sign SuperDraft Selection Aaron Jones
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union have announced that they have signed defender Aaron Jones, who was originally selected by the club in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13 in Los Angeles at 33rd overall and has been in preseason camp with Philadelphia for its entirety. He becomes the second member of the Union’s 2017 SuperDraft class to sign an MLS contract with the club, joining Marcus Epps. Jones is set to be added to the Union’s active roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa.
“We are pleased to sign Aaron to an official MLS contract,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Aaron has impressed throughout his time with us in preseason camp, displaying quickness, his ability in passing and on free kicks, and his aggressive one-on-one defending. We look forward to bringing him aboard officially and tracking his development at the rightback position over the years to come.”
Jones, 22, was selected in the Second Round by the Union at last month’s SuperDraft. A defender, he 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.
While at Georgia State in 2013 and 2014, Jones made a total of 36 appearances (35 starts), scoring three goals while adding five assists. He was named to the Dean’s List in the Fall 2013 semester. He transferred to Clemson ahead of the 2015 season, where he would make 39 appearances (38 starts) for the Tigers over two campaigns, scoring four goals and adding seven assists.
Before coming to the United States, the defender played for the Ipswich Town Developmental Team in England.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender and 33rd overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Aaron Jones on February 23, 2017.
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
Acquired: Selected in the Second Round (33rd overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13, 2017. Signed by Philadelphia on February 23, 2017
Previous Experience: Georgia State University (2013-2014), Clemson University (2015-2016)
