Photo: Paul Rudderow

Anthony Fontana, the standout 17-year old who played above his age during preseason, has officially signed with Philadelphia Union as a homegrown player.

Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart was full of praise for the latest Union signing, saying, “We are delighted to sign Anthony and welcome him to Philadelphia Union as a Homegrown Player. This is a momentous achievement for Anthony and one that he has thoroughly earned through his hard work with our academy and with Bethlehem Steel FC.”

Fontana is the sixth Union homegrown signing, with Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty still on the squad and Zach Pfeffer, Cristhian Hernandez, and Jimmy McLaughlin having already moved on. This season, the midfielder has made three starts and five total appearances for Bethlehem Steel and made a late cameo for the Union in a friendly against Swansea City FC last weekend.

Don’t expect to see Fontana in MLS play this year, though. According to the Union’s official press release, the Newark, Delaware native won’t be added to the club’s active roster until January 1, 2018. Fontana will, however, likely pull on Bethlehem Steel colors numerous times before the end of the year, so Union fans that want to see the club’s latest acquisition in person will have plenty of opportunities to see what he will bring to MLS next year.