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Mark McKenzie is set to become the latest homegrown player to sign with the Philadelphia Union, according to a report by Ives Galarcep.
In #MLS news, I’m told the Philadelphia Union are signing U.S. Under-20 defender Mark McKenzie to a homegrown player deal, continuing a trend of centerbacks landing HG deals this winter (Grant Lillard, Kris Reaves, Kevin Politz)
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 11, 2018
McKenzie turned down a USL deal to stay with Bethlehem Steel FC over the summer and reported to campus at Wake Forest, where he struggled to find playing time on the Demon Deacons back line. He appeared in just 16 of Wake’s 23 matches.
He made his first of five starts in the ACC semifinal On November 8 after senior center back Kevin Politz, who just recently signed a homegrown deal with the New York Red Bulls, went down with an injury.
The Bear, Delaware native was one of three from the Philadelphia Union Academy to commit to Wake Forest in YSC Academy’s 2017 graduating class. Left back Matthew Real never made it to campus, electing to sign a USL deal while forward Justin McMaster had a pair of goals and three assists in 20 appearances.
Real is another candidate to sign a first team deal after a strong campaign in his first year as a pro with Bethlehem Steel FC.
Wake Forest freshman Brandon Servania recently signed a homegrown deal with FC Dallas.