Two Union Academy alums selected in second round of MLS Draft

Jack Skahan drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes and Joey DeZart picked by Orlando City

By Matthew Ralph@MattRalph_ Jan 9, 2020, 4:11pm EST

Philadelphia Union Academy alums Joey DeZart and Jack Skahan were selected in the second round of Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft.

Skahan, a Memphis, Tenn. native who spent the 2014-2015 Development Academy season with the Philadelphia Union Academy, was the first pick of the second round (27th overall) by the San Jose Earthquakes.

DeZart, a Jackson, N.J. native who graduated from YSC Academy in 2016 after spending two seasons playing for the Union, was drafted fifth in the second round (31st overall) by Orlando City.

Four other players with ties to the area were selected in the first two rounds of the draft on Thursday afternoon.

Temple University goalkeeper Simon Levebvre, who started in goal for Reading United at last summer’s USL League Two final and trained with Bethlehem Steel FC, was selected 21st overall in the first round by D.C. United. The pick was acquired by D.C. United in a trade with the Union for a higher allocation order spot and up to $50,000 in general allocation money based on performance metrics.

Reading United alum Aaron Molloy was taken 16th by the Portland Timbers. DeZart made it three players with experience playing for Reading United to be selected on Thursday. Two former Ocean City Nor’easters were also drafted. Reigning USL League Two Player of the Year Deri Corfe will have a chance to start his pro career back in New Jersey after being selected 41st overall by the New York Red Bulls. Keegan Meyer, a goalkeeper from High Point, went two picks later to the New England Revolution.

The third and fourth rounds of the draft will be conducted on Monday. The Union have a pick in the third round (73rd) and two in the fourth round (99 and 101) but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they pass on picking anyone.

Union Academy grads Andrew Verdi and Lamine Conte, Cape May Court House, N.J. native Joseph Fala, Reading United alums Will Smith, Jelani Pieters, Rok Taneski, Ivan Blaskic, Will Baynham, Louka Masset, Joris Ahlinvi and Adrien Awana and Ocean City Nor’easters alums Stephen Elias and Gustavo Fernandes are all still available for selection.