Jimmy McLaughlin

The Union signed midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin to a professional contract as the club’s second Homegrown Player at age 18 on December 12, 2011. The Union Academy graduate, who played one season at Colgate University, previously suited up for the first team and in several Reserve League matches.

McLaughlin made his unofficial professional debut with the Union as a second half substitute in a 1-1 draw on May 31 against PDL affiliate Reading United A.C. Later in the summer, the midfielder suited up with the senior squad once again, coming on in the 78th minute of a 1-0 victory over Barclays English Premier League club Everton on July 20, 2011 at PPL Park. Only three days later, McLaughlin stepped on the pitch in the 82nd minute to face Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid C.F.

In addition to playing for the Union academy, McLaughlin played for Union Youth Development Affiliate FC DELCO, where he served as captain of the U-18 Academy Team, after plying his trade with the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association and Lower Merion Soccer Club.

The Great Valley High School graduate made his debut with the Union Academy in 2010 at the U-17 SUM Cup, where he recorded an assist. Since then, McLaughlin has played in MLS Reserve League matches against the New York Red Bulls, D.C. United and New England Revolution.

The only freshman to start in all 22 games for Colgate’s Men's Soccer Team this year, McLaughlin’s first collegiate goal was a game-winning tally against Syracuse University during his debut on August 27, 2011, which helped him earn his first BRINE Patriot League Rookie of the Week award. The midfielder concluded his first collegiate soccer season with a goal and three assists, receiving the 2011 Patriot League Rookie of the Year award.

2011: Signed with Philadelphia Union on December 12... Featured in Reserve matches and against both Everton and Real Madrid in international friendlies.

College: In one season with the Colgate Raiders McLaughlin was the only freshman to play and start in all 22 games…Tallied a total of five points from one goal and three assists… His only goal came in the team’s home opener vs. Syracuse in a 1-0 win… Awarded the BRINE PL Rookie of the Week award twice on October 17 and November 7… Named the 2011 Patriot League Rookie of the Year.

Youth: Played high school soccer at Great Valley High School… Captained the team his junior and senior year… Set the Great Valley High School single season scoring record in 2012 (29)… Scored 40 goals and started every game during his four year career…Named a 2010 NSCAA Regional All-American and a 2010 Pennsylvanian All-State Selection…Rated 89 in Top Drawer Soccer’s Top 100 players in 2011…Played in the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy and captained the FC Delco squad…

Personal: Played cello for four years in high school… Full name is James Joseph McLaughlin III… Has one sister.