Union Update

Breaking news for the Philadelphia Union this morning when they announced that homegrown player Zach Pfeffer will be on a season long loan to German side TSG Hoffenheim 1899. The 17 year old was the Union’s first homegrown player signed to the club. The loan will cause Zach to miss the entire 2013 season.


This loan is great news the Philadelphia Union as their top prospect is going to go and play in an elite league. Zach will be getting a great experience that in the best case scenario will land him playing in Bundesliga games.  Most likely the 17 year old will be playing in the reserve league hoaning his skills. The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world, with a high level of competition. Zach was stuck to playing for the Union in MLS reserve league matches and US international matches. The MLS reserve league is only 10 matches per season and that is not enough for a young prospect to stay active. 

This deal will benefit Zach the most out of any party but this deal also benefits the Union. Although there is a chance that he will not return to the Union, in that case the Union will prove to be able to grow a player and sell him to a team in a top league. Also the financial compensation that the Union would receive if they sell. If he returns to Philly, the Union get an older, more experienced player who will still be just 18 years old and ready to fight for a starting spot. 

Pfeffer will be in a new country but will not be alone, as for Hoffenheim is one of the more USA friendly teams. TSG Hoffenheim has 3 other US players in their system. They house some of the top prospects. Fabian Johnson who is the apparent future of the US defense. Danny Williams seems to have carved out a role in the US midfield. Joseph Gyau is on loan from Hoffenheim to FC St Pauli.  Gyau is 20 years old and one of the US‘s top prospects. 

(Photo: MegaSports)

Apart from the loan news, the Union are gearing up for the re-entry draft Friday. The Union have the fifth pick and have a good chance at singing someone. Some interesting names are available in this re-entry draft, former Union players Shavar Thomas, Alejandro Moreno, Danny Califf, and Brian Perk. Captain Ink may be making a return to Philly. Juan Pablo Angel is also on the board and the Union may be interested in signing the Colombian striker.