Suncoast Invitational roster includes two academy players and two unsigned draft picks

A pair of academy standouts and two unsigned draft picks fill out the Philadelphia Union’s preseason roster released ahead of the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational Tournament.

The Union released the roster on Thursday ahead of their first official preseason match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Midfielder Anthony Fontana and goalkeeper Tomas Romero are the two academy players on the roster. Goalkeeper Kristopher Shakes, who has also spent time with the first team in Florida, wasn’t included.

Indy Eleven goalkeeper Keith Cardona, who has spent time training with the team, is one noticeable absence from the roster, which has just the two first team keepers and Romero.

Two of the Union’s three unsigned draft picks are included, defenders Aaron Jones and Jack Elliott while the other unsigned pick is still with the organization training with Bethlehem Steel FC. Jones’ Clemson teammate Alex Happi, who spent time with the first team before they left for Florida, is also still training with Steel FC.

Santi Moar was the first of the Union’s five draft picks to sign when he inked a USL deal with Bethlehem and Marcus Epps has signed a first team contract.

The 28 allotted spots on the first team roster are currently full, but two additional spots for homegrown players are reportedly set to be added by the league. A third roster spot could also be reserved for a player sent on a season-long loan to Bethlehem.

The Union will play Montreal Impact on February 22 at 7 p.m. and D.C. United on February 25 at 5 p.m. All three games will be played at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.

* Unsigned draft pick
# Member of the Philadelphia Union Academy