Jimmy McLaughlin Signs With The Philadelphia Union, Becomes Team's Second Ever Home Grown Player
by Scott Kessler on Dec 12, 2011 2:38 PM EST
in Offseason Content
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PrintZach Pfeffer is no longer all alone as the only Philadelphia Union Home Grown Player. The 16-year-old midfielder now has fellow former academy star Jimmy McLaughlin as a teammate on the Union's first team roster.
McLaughlin started all 22 games possible at Colgate in 2011, including the University's 4-1 loss to Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He was also named as the Rookie of the Year in Colgate's collegiate conference.
The 18-year-old played three times for the Union first team last season, with two of those appearances coming against European teams in international friendlies (the first one was against Reading United, a Union affiliate). After impressing in his debut against Everton, an English Premier League team, McLaughlin was substituted into the Union's Lincoln Financial Field friendly against Real Madrid. The attacking midfielder helped fullback Ryan Richter shut Crtisiano Ronaldo out of most of time he was on the pitch.
The Brotherly Game had speculated that Christian Hernandez, yet another Union academy star, was set to sign as the team's second Home Grown Player, but it appears that McLaughlin finalized his agreement first, or at all.
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He played three times for the U last year
His first appearance was against Reading United
by Andrew Stoltzfus on Dec 12, 2011 2:46 PM EST reply actions
What change will this have?
Will Jimmy continue to play Colgate or is that out now that he signed a professional contract? If so, what do you think his next team will be, Union Senior squad… Union Reserves… Reading?
by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Dec 12, 2011 3:01 PM EST reply actions
Unfortunately, once you sign a professional contract, you give up your amateur status and right to play in the NCAA. I was under the impression that we couldn’t loan anyone to Reading because college players can play there without losing NCAA eligibility, but I don’t know that for sure. I’d expect they’ll bring Jimmy along slowly like they’ve done with Pfeffer, though I would love to see one or both of those guys spend some time on loan with Harrisburg. Excited to see another local kid get a shot!
MK
Also...
Do we still think Hernandez is set to sign or was there only 1 mystery HG signing and McLaughlin is it?
by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Dec 12, 2011 3:07 PM EST reply actions
McLaughlin was an unconfirmed rumor told me to, so I didn't report it.
The Hernandez situation is in the works.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Dec 12, 2011 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
Congrats Jimmy!
I can’t believe that a kid that was walking past me in the halls in high school just three years ago is now a pro soccer player with the Union. But that’s a testament to Jimmy’s ability. IMO, he’s better than Pfeffer, at least for now, but we’ll see how that plays out.
Philadelphia Union beat writer at Soccer By Ives. Madridista de corazón. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @joeysamuel
Unlike Pfeffer, Jimmy can be taken completely out of games.
I’m judging that based upon a small sample size (versus Rutgers), but that’s where I see Pfeffer as being better.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Dec 12, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions
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