CHESTER, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union added much-needed depth at right back on Tuesday by signing RJ Allen to a contract for the remainder of the 2019 Major League Soccer season, the club announced.
Allen, who previously played at New York City FC and Orlando City, was on trial with the club for the last week since Olivier Mbaizo had surgery that will keep him out four-to-eight weeks.
“The week’s been great and it’s gone really well,” Allen said at training Tuesday. “I showed that I’m fit and I’m ready to play. I think the staff liked what I showed for the last seven days and that’s why we moved forward. I’m really looking forward and excited for what’s ahead.”
“RJ will provide needed depth and cover for our fullback corps,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a club statement. “He has four years of MLS experience and has shown well as a trialist over the past week. We’d like to welcome him to our team.”
Since he was let go by Orlando City in the offseason, Allen has played for NPSL side FC Motown and stayed fit to keep ready for his next opportunity.
“I’ve been sitting keeping myself busy, keeping myself fit waiting for an opportunity and I’m very blessed I’ve been given this opportunity and I’m very excited for it,” Allen said.
Allen will be available for Wednesday’s match at Orlando City, a match in which the Union should use some squad rotation.
Once Allen started his trial with the Union, he circled Wednesday’s game at Exploria Stadium and Saturday’s return clash with the Lions at Talen Energy Stadium.
“I obviously have friends on the team and you never want to lose to your brothers or your friends so it’s one I had marked on the calendar when I first got the opportunity come here,” Allen said. “To have this opportunity and go back to Orlando and see some of those guys and compete against them it’s going to be exciting.”