Union Recap

(Photo: SBNation.com)

It has been a busy last few days for the Philadelphia Union organization. The team went into the super draft without a first round draft pick but selected two players in the second round. The Union were aiming to make a trade to move up but when the trade never came the Union made a deal with RSL. Philadelphia was suppose to pick from the 29th pick but traded to RSL for 31st pick.

The Union picked Don Anding from Northeastern and Stephen Okai from the University of Mobile. Don Anding is a striker who can play left back and has a strong strike record. The speedy forward was named CAA player of the year. Stephen Okai is a native of Ghana and has been compared to Yaya Toure. He is a box to box midfielder who earned 10 goals and 9 assists while playing for Mobile. The Ghana native has also played for the Union affiliate team Reading United.

Following the MLS superdraft, the Union announced the signing of two more players a left back and striker. The left back, Darmani Richards, is apart of the T&T U20 team. The 18 year old defender is expected to challenge Gabe Farfan for a starting role. Richards will be eligible to play for the Union when gets his Visa gets approved. The Union also announced the signing of 6-4 forward Aaron Wheeler from Finnish side FC Kooteepee. The 24 year old forward adds some height to the front line but this is not Wheeler’s first time with the club. Wheeler was cut from the team in 2011 after a brief stint in training camp.

Evaluating these moves and looking at where these players fit and it is hard to see any of these players getting regular time. Darmani Richards can compete but it is hard to see him taking the place of Gabe Farfan. Aarron Wheeler and Don Anding have some qualities such as size and speed that can help the team but ultimately they are nothing special. I would be shocked if they both make it to the final roster. Also they do not have a potent goal scoring record. Stephen Okai is going to try and find time in an extremely crowded midfield.

It is hard to see any of these players earning regular playing time. It appears the Union brought in some projects to mold for the future while creating some healthy competition in camp. Training camp has kicked off and the Union are in the preseason mode preparing for friendlies in Florida.