PHILADELPHIA — With the MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia, the home supporters showed up not expecting to see much movement from the Union. The Union had no picks in the first or second round and there was little chatter of Jim Curtin attempting to move into making a selection.
That changed in the middle of the second round when a trade was announced between the Chicago Fire and the Union. The Fire sent forward David Accam to Philadelphia in exchange for $300,000 in general allocation money and $900,000 in targeted allocation money.
“We’re really excited to get David, a guy who obviously can stretch a defense. We have got some guys who can pass and get him the ball and he’ll give him room to operate in space,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said in an interview during the league’s live broadcast. “David’s a proven goalscorer in our league, his resume speaks for itself. We’re adding an incredible player and we’re excited to have him in Philly.”
Union fans have been vocal about the club’s quiet offseason. Philadelphia made some noise earlier this week when the club re-signed goalkeeper Andre Blake to a new multi-year contract on Wednesday and followed that up with a pair of homegrown signings with Matt Real and Mark McKenzie joining the first team. The Union’s only other move came on Dec. 21 when they signed Cory Burke, who came up from USL-affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC.
“Every team right now is not complete,” Curtin said of the fan reaction throughout the offseason. “Going into a preseason there’s going to be a lot more action that happens throughout the league. Players will be brought in, players will be traded from different teams in the league. That’s just the nature of our business.”
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