Union Bolster Back Stop

As a Son's of Ben Supporter and season ticket holder, I am more than impressed with the way the expansion Philadelphia Union have built their Franchise.  From the implementation of Nick Sakiewicz as CEO, Tom Veit as President and Peter Nowak as manager to the site selection for the stadium and the team colors and crest.  The Union has also done a decent job to date of player selection including the first ever trade in franchise history.

Just four days after drafting 10 players from in the 2009 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft, Philadelphia Union has added former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Chris Seitz to their roster in exchange for allocation money. Financial terms, as per club policy, are not disclosed.

Philadelphia Union Keeper, Chris Seitz

“We are extremely excited about acquiring Chris Seitz who has been in the U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper pool and with Real Salt Lake the past three seasons,” said Philadelphia Union Team Manager Peter Nowak. “He’s physically imposing and now has a chance to compete to become a starting goalkeeper in MLS and realize his full potential.”

During his three years in Salt Lake, Seitz made seven starts-three in his rookie season and four during RSL’s 2009 MLS Cup Championship campaign-and recorded a 1.86 goals against average in 630 minutes in goal. Drafted fourth overall in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Seitz was the second highest goalkeeper drafted in League history and became the second youngest goalkeeper to start an MLS match (20 years, 49 days of age) when he made his MLS debut on April 30, 2007. Only Tim Howard, current Everton (EPL) and #1 USMNT goalkeeper was younger by about six months.

“With the addition of Chris to our club, we’ve got two good young goalkeepers who will help build a strong foundation for our future,” offered CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “I’ve seen and heard a lot about Chris and Brad Knighton, who we drafted from New England, and I look forward to watching the competition between them once training begins.”

Philadelphia Union’s first ever First Kick will take place on the road, March 25, 2010 vs. Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field and nationally televised on ESPN2/ESPN Deportes. The club’s home opener is April 10 vs. regional rival D.C. United at Lincoln Financial Field.