Images courtesy of Philadelphia Union
Ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Houston, the Union announced the signing on Friday of three players, Levi Houapeu, Gabriel Farfan and Keon Daniel.
Forward Levi Houapeu was the Union’s third pick in the SuperDraft. Midfielder Gabriel Farfan joins his twin brother Michael Farfan, second pick in the SuperDraft, on the Union from Mexican First Division side Club America. Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Keon Daniel last played on the NASL’s Puerto Rico Islanders.
Both Farfan and Daniel have been long identified as “unnamed trialists” from pictures taken of the Union in preseason training.
Although a natural midfielder, Soccer By Ives reported on Thursday that Farfan “is expected to push incumbent left back Jordan Harvey for the starting role.” A post on the Union’s website earlier this week said that Michael Farfan has seen time at right back in the preseason.
It is unclear if Daniel, also a natural midfielder, has also been training with the defense. Daniel scored four goals in Trinidad & Tobago’s 2010 World Cup qualification campaign, the same number as Landon Donovan, Brian Ching and Álvaro Saborío.
Houapeu was listed on the roster in the game notes issued to members of the media on Thursday evening for the Union’s season opener against Houston on Saturday.
Five spots can still be filled on the Union’s roster before the closing of the transfer window on April 15.
You can watch highlight reels for each of the newest members of the Union below:
Good signings All! Welcome gents. Glad to have you!!!