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Signing Day Preview: Union Academy verbal commitments

Several Philadelphia Union Academy players will be inking national letters of intent to play college soccer on February 3. Here's a rundown of those who have announced their commitments.

By Matthew Ralph

The always dominant Atlantic Coast Conference will be getting another influx of talent this fall from the Philadelphia Union Academy. All but three of the current Academy players who have announced their college commitments are headed to programs in the ACC.

Forward Michael Swift and defender Robert Campbell have verbally committed to the 2015 national runner-up Clemson while defender Joseph DeZart has committed to Wake Forest and forwards Jerren Nixon and Raheem Taylor-Parkes are Virginia-bound.

Defender Auston Trusty, who played in the U17 World Cup in the fall and is currently with the U.S. U19 team for a tournament in Spain, has verbally committed to North Carolina, where he will be in good company in former Academy players Sean Wilson, Will Campbell and Colton Storm. Jack Skahan, who played with the U16 team last season, has also verbally committed to North Carolina.

Goalkeeper Andrew Verdi has verbally committed to Big Ten program Michigan and twin brothers Conor Bradley and Shane Bradley are staying close to home at Villanova, where Academy alum Zach Zandi will be entering his second season.

Several other seniors from the U18 team have not announced college plans and won't necessarily be doing so on Signing Day. Last year, Sean Wilson was a late signing to North Carolina, announcing his decision in late April and Oliver Calvo didn't sign with Louisville until June.

Below is a list of current and former Academy players who have announced their commitments:

  • Conor Bradley, Midfielder, Villanova
  • Shane Bradley, Defender, Villanova
  • Robert Campbell, Defender, Clemson
  • Joseph DeZart, Defender, Wake Forest
  • Jerren Nixon, Forward, Virginia
  • Michael Swift, Forward, Clemson
  • Raheem Taylor-Parkes, Forward, Virginia
  • Auston Trusty, Defender, North Carolina
  • Andrew Verdi, Goalkeeper, Michigan
  • Jack Skahan, Midfielder, North Carolina (played for the U16 team in 2014-2015)
  • Dontrim Namani, Midfielder, Saint Joseph's (played for U16 team in 2013-2014)
  • Leon Maric, Forward, Virginia (played for U16 team in 2013-2014)

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