CHESTER, Pa. (March 7, 2022) – Philadelphia Union II announced today that the club has signed forward Nelson Pierre to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract. The 16-year-old joined the Union Academy in 2014 and becomes the inaugural signing for Union II as they prepare for their debut season in MLS NEXT Pro.
“Nelson has been with the academy since he was nine years old and has added strong technical qualities to the physical presence he’s had from a young age.” Said Union Director of Academy and Professional Development Tommy Wilson. “I’m delighted that he will be the first Union II signing because his tireless work ethic makes him a role model for other young players. His future is very bright.”
“At just 16 years old, Nelson is already an exciting young talent and he’s working every day to mature his game,” said Union II Head Coach, Marlon LeBlanc. “He brings natural, elite-level pace as a number nine and will continue to improve his off-the-ball movement and counter pressing coordination alongside another striker in our aggressive system.”
Pierre joins Union II after eight years with the Union Academy, most recently scoring five goals in 11 matches for the Philadelphia Union U17s. In the Spring of 2021, Pierre scored four goals in five matches in the MLS Next U17 competition.
Additionally, Pierre received an invitation to the United States Youth National Team Regional Identification Center Camp held in Philadelphia last year, which serves as a scouting platform for the Youth National Teams of the United States.
Philadelphia Union II is set to be one of 21 clubs participating in MLS NEXT Pro. MLS NEXT Pro will complete an integrated player pathway from MLS NEXT through to MLS first teams. Union II will join the new league for the inaugural 2022 season and will play its matches at Subaru Park.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union II sign forward Nelson Pierre to an MLS NEXT Pro Contract on March 8, 2022.
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 II sign Forward Nelson Pierre on March 8, 2022.
