Report: Zach Pfeffer to return to Philadelphia Union

CBS3's Kevin Kinkead broke the news earlier that Philadelphia Union midfielder Zach Pfeffer will be returning for the 2016 season after having his option picked up earlier today. A largely untested member of the Union, Pfeffer was reportedly given a $40,000 raise to play next year. Last year he made the $60,000 minimum and will make $100,000 in 2016. In his 11 MLS starts last year Pfeffer had an assist and two goals, including a highly dramatic winner against D.C. United in May. Domestically Pfeffer was also called up to the Chipotle Homegrown Game that took place over the All-Star break in Portland this year.

From a national team level, there seems to be some buzz surrounding the young midfielder, with Pfeffer having played at every level up to United States U-23 team, and he was one of the last cuts for the US team that went to the U-20 World Cup in May. It remains to be seen if the Union will keep him with the first team or loan him to Bethlehem Steel FC, but for now Pfeffer can hit the pay window as a member of the first team.