Oguchi Oneywu signs with the Philadelphia Union

It’s officially official. After a week or so of speculation, Oguchi Onyewu has officially signed with the Philadelphia Union as a discovery signing per a press release. While it was initially said that Onyewu was only here on a training stint, his signing shores up the Union’s back line while also giving the club another capped player on their roster nonetheless.

The 34 year old center back had been out of soccer since his stint with Charlton Athletic in England’s Championship ended with Charlton falling to League One and Onyewu’s contract not being renewed. Onyewu has also played with Standard Liège, Newcastle, AC Milan, Málaga, and Queens Park Rangers. “Gooch” also has 69 caps with the United States National Team, although he hasn’t made an appearance since 2014.

From the press release:

“Oguchi is a big, physical presence who brings experience and veteran professionalism, important traits that we believe will be an asset for our group of young defenders,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “He provides excellent depth at the centerback position and we are pleased that we were able to add him to our squad.”

Onyewu has played in Philadelphia before - in 2010, he wore the captain’s armband as the United States hosted (former Union player) Faryd Mondragon and Colombia at Talen Energy Stadium (then PPL Park). The match ended in a scoreless draw.