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Union Sign 17-Year-Old Homegrown Defender Neil Pierre

Union Sign 17-Year-Old Homegrown Defender Neil Pierre

Philadelphia Union Secure Homegrown Talent: 17-Year-Old Defender Neil Pierre Signs First-Team Contract

The Philadelphia Union have further reinforced their commitment to developing young talent, announcing the signing of 17-year-old homegrown defender Neil Pierre to a four-year contract on Tuesday. The deal, which keeps him with the club through 2028, also includes an option for the 2029 season.

Pierre, a native of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has been turning heads with his performances for Union II, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. His rapid development and strong defensive attributes have earned him a well-deserved promotion to the Union’s first-team squad.

Union’s High Hopes for Pierre

Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner spoke highly of Pierre’s potential and the qualities that set him apart as a promising young center-back.

“Following a standout season with Union II, we are happy to be able to reward Neil with a first-team contract,” Tanner said. “His combination of size, speed, and defensive strength makes him a great asset to our backline. As a young, dynamic center-back with immense potential, we look forward to continuing and supporting his development.”

Standing at 6-foot-3, Pierre brings an imposing presence to the backline, coupled with agility and an ability to read the game effectively. His strong performances in the MLS NEXT Pro league have demonstrated his ability to hold his own against older, more experienced players, making him a natural candidate for first-team promotion.

A Rising Star in U.S. Soccer

Pierre’s talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. The young defender has already represented the United States at the U15, U17, and U19 levels, making him one of the brightest defensive prospects in the country. His continued involvement with U.S. youth national teams signals his potential to become a key figure in future rosters.

The Union have built a reputation for developing elite homegrown players, with stars like Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, and Paxten Aaronson making the leap from the club’s academy to professional success. Now, Pierre is set to follow in their footsteps, aiming to establish himself as a reliable option for Philadelphia’s first team.

With the Union consistently competing at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference, Pierre will have an opportunity to learn from experienced defenders while gradually integrating into head coach Jim Curtin’s defensive setup. His journey from the academy to the first team highlights Philadelphia’s ongoing commitment to youth development and homegrown talent.

As the 2024 MLS season approaches, all eyes will be on Pierre to see how he adapts to the first-team environment and whether he can make an impact in his debut season at the top level.

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