OFFICIAL: Philadelphia Union signs Dzenan Catic

The Philadelphia Union came one step closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster, signing their first pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Monday. The 22 year old Bosnian forward won the NAIA Player of the Year award in 2014 with Davenport University in Michigan, scoring 39 goals and contributing 11 assists in last season alone. Since Catic had played professionally with German club FC Kaiserslautern, he was ineligible to play in an NCAA school - which explains why he was available as late in the draft (thirty-first pick overall). The Union always felt that they had gotten their man though:

"We were surprised to have the opportunity to draft Dzenan in the second round and he’s continued to show his potential as a player since he’s been in camp. He has a goalscorer's instincts and he will continue to improve while adding depth up front."

Philadelphia Union technical director Chris Albright

Catic will likely serve as a depth option at striker, behind new arrivals Fernando Aristeguieta and CJ Sapong, veteran Conor Casey, and possibly giving Antoine Hoppenot a run for minutes late in matches and during the early stages of the US Open Cup.