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Derrick Jones’ first team debut was the big news of the past week. The Steel FC midfielder came on in the second half of the Union’s friendly with Crystal Palace FC after he and teammate Ryan Richter were signed to short-term deals.
Jones’ performance didn’t stand out but it was significant in that it marked the first time a player has played for the Union Academy U18 team, Bethlehem Steel FC and the Philadelphia Union.
The rookie chipped in a goal the following afternoon in an early start game for the Steel FC in a 3-0 win over Wilmington Hammerheads. The goal was Derrick’s third of the season.
USL
Midfielder Zach Pfeffer came off the bench and played 23 minutes in Charlotte Independence’s 2-1 loss to New York Red Bulls on July 16. It was Pfeffer’s 11th appearance since being loaned out from Colorado Rapids.
Midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin started and played 60 minutes in FC Cincinnati’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace FC in front of 35,061 fans, the largest crowd ever at a soccer game in Ohio.
U.S. Development Academy
PDA forward Isaiah Young scored the lone goal in a 4-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps in the U.S. Development Academy semifinals and added another goal in a 4-1 win over Nomads SC in the third place game. Young finished the season second on the team in goals with 15.
Chaz Burnett and Josh Burnett, who were on the Union U14 team in 2012-13, also scored in the third place game. Chaz’s brace gave him 18 for the season and Josh’s goal was his ninth of the year.
England
Midfielder James Murphy, who missed PDA’s run to the championships while in England, has signed with English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday. Murphy was on the Union U14 team back in 2012-13 and has also trained with the first team.