On Monday morning, the Union announced the signing of 18-year-old midfielder David Vazquez to a contract through 2027, with an additional option for 2028. It was a move that was expected for a little bit now, but it is finally official as of Monday.
Who is David Vazquez?
For those who are familiar with the Union II and the Union’s youth academy, David Vazquez is a name that they will be known. Since the Philly acquired his homegrown priority rights from both LAFC and the LA Galaxy, Vazquez has been one of, if not the most promising prospect that the club has. The midfielder is extremely talented on the ball and has an elite dribbling ability, which can bless him on the pitch in many ways. Whether it be creating a chance or just dribbling out of a tough area to continue the attack, Vazquez can do it all.
Within the Academy, Vazquez has featured for both the U-17s and the second team, playing a pivotal part for both squads. He was a key member of the U-17 team in the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup, helping lead the squad to a victory in the final by a score of 1-0 over FC Dallas. In addition to playing well at the U-17 level, Vazquez has played with the Union II in MLS Next Pro, putting in good performances over the last couple of years. In the 2023 season, Vazquez contributed five goals and two assists in 22 appearances. So far in the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, the midfielder has three assists so far in six appearances.
For more info about Vazquez, take a look at the article below by fellow Philly Sports Network writer, Steve Beavon.
While Vazquez has impressed within the Union Academy, the youngster has also impressed on the international level. He has featured for the United States U-17s in multiple tournaments, such as the World Cup and the CONCACAF Championship. While Vazquez played well in both tournaments, he really caught some eye during the CONCACAF Championship, where registered four assists, leading the United States to second place and runner-ups of the tournament.
We Love the Homegrowns, We Do!
Philadelphia signing and developing their homegrown players to first-team deals is something that is becoming a norm at Subaru Park. Names such as Brendan Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, Nate Harriel, Jeremy Rafanello, and more have already made the pathway from the academy to the first team, and David Vazquez will be yet another name to be added to that list. He won’t be the last one shortly either, as the Union Academy has a lot of top talents coming through the ranks.
When asked about the signing of Vazquez, Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said:
“David is a highly intelligent player with positional versatility. During his time with the academy and Union II, he has shown how skillful he can be with the ball at his feet and his ability to be advantageous in the transition on attack. He is another great example of how our commitment to developing talent that begins at the academy level allows them to excel in the pathway to the pros in Philadelphia”
Ernst Tanner 4/29/2024
Vazquez is going to be a player to keep an eye on for the future of Philly’s first team and is definitely someone who could see some action within the squad this year, especially with the international tournaments that will be going on throughout the summer. The pathway from the Union Academy to the first team has grown once again, and I can only see it continuing to do just that in the future.
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