Union sign Sal Olivas to homegrown deal, acquire Indiana Vassilev from St. Louis City

It’s officially the first matchday of the 2025 MLS season! The Union is ready to play Orlando City later this evening, but before that, the club made some more moves to solidify the roster to end the work week.

On Thursday, Philly signed forward Sal Olivas to a homegrown contract. On Friday, the addition of Indiana Vassilev was finalized; the midfielder is on his way to Philadelphia from St. Louis in exchange for $1 million in GAM. Let’s take a quick look at both of these moves and where it puts the Union’s roster.

union, MLS — Nov 2, 2024; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of Subaru Park before the game between Philadelphia Union II and Columbus Crew 2. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Union adds Olivas, 13th homegrown, to the first-team roster

Sal Olivas scored four goals and notched one assist and 1,265 minutes with Union II last season. While that statline might not be the most impressive, what is is his ability to bring others into the game. Olivas’s movement drew defenses to him, allowing the other forwards on UII to also have breakout years.

His strike partner, Eddy Davis, was a main beneficiary of that movement; now, both of those players have first-team contracts. Here’s what Sporting Director Ernst Tanner had to say about the signing:

“Sal is an ambitious, young striker who made significant strides in his development with Union II last season. He’s a high-pressing player who drives the ball forward and can create chances on the attack. His signing to the first team will provide him the opportunity to continue to develop and learn from our coaching staff and gain the necessary experience by playing alongside our veteran players.”

Olivas likely won’t see much time with the first team this year; Philly now has eight forwards on its roster. Another season with UII will be great for his development, and when the senior team calls upon him, he’ll be ready!

Union Bring in Vassilev for more Midfield Depth

When Philadelphia made Bradley Carnell their next coach, many wondered if we’d see some similarities from his St. Louis City team implemented in Chester. The answer to that question is an unequivocal yes, from the style of play to now even some personnel. Philly made an in-MLS trade for versatile 24-year-old American midfielder Indiana Vassilev.

In two seasons in St. Louis, Vassilev scored five goals and tallied nine assists in 63 regular-season matches. He will be yet another cog in Philadelphia’s high-flying midfield, whether as a starter or from off the bench. Tanner, of course, praised the young player ahead of his introduction to the team.

“Indiana is an extremely versatile and hardworking player who embodies the qualities we are looking for to enhance our roster. At just 24, he brings experience from the Premier League, Major League Soccer, U.S Youth National Teams, and, most recently, his first USMNT call-up. His technical abilities, dedication, and potential for growth make him a valuable addition to our squad.”

Indy’s addition makes Philly three deep at every midfield position. They now have 32 rostered first-team players; MLS sets its rosters at 30 players, meaning two of these players (likely two of the homegrown forwards) will have to be full-season loaned to Union II. Either way, this Philly team is set for its 2025 season to begin today! It’s time to let the ball do the talking; no more speculation!