Photo: Earl Gardner
The Philadelphia Union announced on Tuesday the signing of 23-year-old former New York Red Bulls Homegrown Player Matt Kassel.
The midfielder/defender first trialed with the Union in October of 2012 and played in the 1-0 Reserve League loss to DC United on Oct. 12. He came to the Union after playing the 2012 season for USL PRO side Pittsburgh Riverhounds, with whom the Bridgetown, NJ native scored six goals in 18 games.
Against Toronto FC in the recent Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Feb. 16, Kassel scored a screamer from distance in the 51st minute to make the scoreline 3-0.
Kassel played three seasons at University of Maryland, recording 11 goals and 24 assists in 68 appearances.
All of the descriptions in the announcement say that he has played defense and midfield, but are there any more specifics about how he plays, where he is best, that kind of thing?
He is from Bridgewater NJ, not Bridgetown.
Kassel typically plays at center mid. However he has been playing at fullback in the preseason with Philly and his two appearances in regular season games for Red Bulls he played in the defense. He is a righty but equally strong with his left foot which makes him a pretty adaptable player on the field. His rocket of a shot goal in preseason was scored with his left foot. He is known for his set pieces, free kicks and corners. He has very good accuracy. Hopefully he gets his opportunity with the Union to earn some playing time on the pitch.