CHESTER, Pa. (February 21, 2023) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed Homegrown forward Nelson Pierre. The 17-year-old joined the Union Academy in 2014 and becomes the 20th Homegrown player in Union history. Pierre, a member of YSC Academy class of 2023, is on a guaranteed contract through 2026 with a team option for 2027.
“We have watched Nelson grow from a stand-out in our academy into an active, productive, high-ceiling striker on our Philadelphia Union II squad,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “He has always been an intelligent and mobile attacker, and we believe he has the all the attributes needed to grow into a player capable of contributing goals at the MLS level."
Pierre, 17, made 20 appearances (seven starts) for Philadelphia Union II, Union’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, in their inaugural season. In that time, Pierre scored five goals, including a brace in a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF II. He made his MLS NEXT Pro debut on March 27, 2022, where he registered three shots against FC Cincinnati 2.
Prior to becoming the first Philadelphia Union II signing, Pierre spent eight years with the Union Academy, scoring five goals in 11 matches for the Philadelphia Union U17s, and four goals in five matches in the MLS Next U17 competition in 2021. He also received an invitation to the United States Youth National Team Regional Identification Center Camp held in Philadelphia last year, which served as a scouting platform for the Youth National Teams of the United States.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign forward Nelson Pierre to a Homegrown Contract through 2026 with a team option for 2027 on February 21, 2023.
Name: Nelson Pierre
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180
Born: March 22, 2005
Birthplace: Lebanon, PA
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign forward Nelson Pierre on February 21, 2023.
