The Philadelphia Union have announced the signing Derrick Jones as a Homegrown player today, July 27th. He will be the Union’s fourth ever homegrown signing, and the first since 2012. Jones, 19, joined the Philadelphia Union academy in November, 2013 and eventually became the first player to sign with Union affiliate, Bethlehem Steel FC, in the USL.
Jones became the first homegrown signing out of the Union’s academy at YSC sports in Wayne, PA. Born in Bantama, Ghana, Jones moved to Philadelphia in 2012 and joined Junior LoneStar. In 2013, Jones joined the Union’s youth team with the U16s, and became an instant contributor. The following year Jones joined the Union’s academy, and the U18 team. He scored 8 goals that year in 26 games, leading the team to the USSDA playoffs. The following year Jones played 8 games, notching 3 goals before being the first signing for Bethlehem Steel FC on December 6th, 2015. Less than one year later he has made one last jump to the Union’s first team.
Jones got his first taste of first team action in a friendly against Crystal Palace on July 13th. He played a strong 45 minutes, and impressed the fans and coaches alike. He wasn’t out muscled by the burly Brits of Palace, and made quick adjustments to catch up to the speed of play. He seemed comfortable, despite playing at such a high level, perhaps a testament to his skill, which may be sorely needed in the Philadelphia midfield since the departure of Vincent Nogueira.
Sporting Director, Earnie Stewart had this to say about Jones after the signing was made official, “Derrick’s progression through our system has been quicker than anticipated and it’s evident that he is ready for the next step of his career,” he said. “This is a testament to Derrick’s commitment to his trade, and it should be considered a tremendous accomplishment to become the first player to come through our Academy, to Bethlehem Steel, and finally to the First Team. This is also a testament to the hard work of Tommy Wilson and his entire staff at the Academy, and I congratulate them for playing such a large role in this signing.”
The Union academy is one that is getting a lot of attention for some new innovative ideas they are installing. Since the academy is so young still, we have yet to see it output any players yet, perhaps the signing of Jones will open the flood gates, allowing more youth players to get initiated into the first team. “We have had much interest from the media, U.S. Soccer and MLS, amongst others, regarding our Academy, the School and the programs we have in place.” Academy Director Tommy Wilson said. “Personally, I have been pleased with this attention but I’ve always felt the acid test for us is the production of Players capable of playing in the First Team.”
We will have to wait and see how quickly Jones gets thrown into first team action. Until Maurice Edu returns to match fitness, there is a lack of true center midfielders. Brian Carroll and Warren Creavalle are currently the only two right now, with Tranquillo Barnetta showing his versatility, dropping into a deeper role in the midfield. Barnetta has been a much bigger impact and threat when played further up the field. Hopefully the signing of Derrick Jones will free up Barnetta from his defensive priorities, and allow him to play as a true attacking center midfielder.
Twitter: @emcconnell00
