Photo: Philadelphia Union

Yesterday, Philadelphia Union announced the signing of Union Academy product Jack de Vries. The midfielder/forward signed a pre-contract with the Union that will see him join the first team beginning in January 2020. At age 17, de Vries is now the 12th homegrown player in the Union’s history.

Before signing his pre-contract, de Vries had committed to playing at the University of Virginia, made appearances for the Bethlehem Steel this season, and spent time playing for the U-17 national team.

Experience with the Steel

So far this season, de Vries has appeared for Bethlehem Steel as an Academy player three times. His three matches came early in the Steel’s season, making his debut for Bethlehem in their season opener on March 10. De Vries started two of his three matches, including his first-ever USL start in the Steel’s home opener on March 16.

As an all-around attacker, the midfielder/forward worked well as a utility player for the Steel. Despite only playing three matches, de Vries helped Bethlehem generate offense, coming in off the bench to help win their first match of the season 2-0 and playing as a striker who is more than willing to track back.

International experience

De Vries has been a frequent participant in the United States youth national team system. This year alone, he has received four call-ups from the U17’s, which is why he has been absent for most of the Steel’s season. Most recently, de Vries was in a domestic training camp with the U-17 national team in Carson, California from July 27 through August 7. He also participated in the 2019 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, helping the United States to a runner-up finish.

“Completing the signing of an Academy product to the first team is a momentous occasion for both the player and our club, and the same holds true with Jack finalizing his agreement today,” said Ernst Tanner. “He is an exciting attacking prospect who has appeared at the highest levels within his age group in the United States youth national team setup.”

So who will he be for the Union? Tanner sees de Vries as an adaptable attacker that can be fit into the Union’s lineup in whatever way they need him. Since Tanner has obviously been bolstering Philadelphia’s attackers this season and a champion of playing the talented homegrown players, de Vries is a logical step. Tanner said, “he is a very versatile player, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or as a forward. He is ready for the leap to the professional game and we are pleased to have him officially join our first team next season.”

De Vries joins midfielder Cole Turner as Academy products who’ve been signed to pre-contracts for the 2020 campaign.