There are several MLS clubs that believe in the ‘develop within’ strategy and are dedicating more playtime to homegrown talent and it has proven to be very successful. Jordan Morris was an integral part of the Seattle Sounders’ MLS Cup win in 2019 and the 2018 Supporters’ Shield Winners were led by Tyler Adams at the New York Red Bulls. These young standout players are products of the organization coming through their academy system and working their way to the first team… and eventually off to Europe.
2020 has been the year of unprecedented events and one of those unprecedented events was the emergence and impact of Homegrown players in Philadelphia. The Union has always strongly believed in their academy system and the players they were developing since the foundation of the club in 2010. Current Homegrowns: Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Matt Freese, Anthony Fontana, Matt Real, Cole Turner, and Jack de Vries have progressed up the ladder that has taken them through the Union’s academy, the second team and now all the way to MLS. The chemistry between these guys is undeniable and incomparable. With the exception of a few years separating the group,, the majority of Philly’s homegrowns have been playing together for nearly 10 years.
The production on the field is clearly measurable with 13 goals and 12 assists this season. The League and even the greater soccer world started noticing the potential of the Union at the MLS is Back Tournament when homegrowns shined. Aaronson’s performance garnered international attention and he was named a finalist for Young Player of the Tournament. Both Aaronson and McKenzie (along with Andre Blake) earned a spot in the Tournament’s Best XI.
McKenzie’s season is rightfully worthy of being a MLS Defender of the Year Finalist after his breakout season. Starting 22 matches and collecting 1,920 minutes, Mark was a crucial part in the Union’s backline that picked up nine shutouts this season. With the many rumors surfacing around the league this year, many believe Mark will be the next player to make a move to Europe but he never once let the voices dictate he how played on the pitch.
It wasn’t until later in the season that Anthony Fontana’s name started getting attention. He was the Union’s second ‘Super Sub’ (along with Ilsinho, of course) this season causing havoc each time he came into the match. Font picked five starts along within his 16 appearances. His six goals on the season included a brace against the New England Revolution with his second goal being an extra-time winner.
Matt Freese spent the 2020 season bouncing back and forth between the first team and getting minutes with Union II. After Andre Blake suffered a hand injury, Freese was called upon in the season finale with the Supporters’ Shield on the line. He delivered a shutout victory against the Revs in his first start of the season and helped secure the first trophy in club history.
Matt Real contributed to the team’s success with 15 appearances (five starts), one goal, and two assists. Jack de Vries and Cole Turner appeared in a few matches in 2020 as well bringing the total Homegrowns that have tallied minutes for the season to seven.
In October the Philadelphia Union reached one of the biggest achievements in club history thus far with the transfer of Brenden Aaronson to FC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Bundesliga. This was a record transfer for a Homegrown and is likely just the beginning of big things for Union academy products.
The future is bright for MLS and Homegrowns, especially in Philadelphia. Over the last few months, the Union have signed five new Homegrown contracts. Jack McGlynn, Nathan Harriel, Paxten Aaronson, Brandan Craig, and Quinn Sullivan will be joining the first team squad in 2021. The Union academy system has proved itself and this is just the beginning of Homegrown success.
