CHESTER, Pa. (July 27, 2022) – A trio of U-17 Philadelphia Union Academy players have been named to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. Following standout performances that resulted in winning the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup, forward Marcos Zambrano-Delgado, defender Daniel Krueger, and goalkeeper Andrew Rick were selected as part of the inaugural roster for the East. The Union along with Inter Miami CF and San Jose Earthquakes , hold the most representation on the roster with three players each.
Zambrano-Delgado, 17, was recently awarded the Golden Boot for his impressive performance at the MLS NEXT Cup where he scored seven goals in five games, including a hat trick in a 6-1 win over regional rivals, Cedar Stars Academy of Monmouth. His brace in the championship game led the Union to a late 3-2 comeback victory to clinch the cup.
Krueger, 16, made a strong impact on both ends of the field scoring two goals and holding opponents to a two-goal maximum the entire tournament.
Rick, 16, was also crucial member of the championship team allowing just eight goals in five games and recorded a 1.60 goals-against-average during the tournament.
The event includes 45 of the top MLS NEXT players, who were chosen to compete in an East vs. West format at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota on Wednesday, August 10, prior to the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. The 45 players were chosen by the MLS NEXT Player Selection Committee, made up of key MLS Player Development department personnel. Players must have been U-18 (born in 2004 or earlier) and have competed in one of the MLS NEXT national showcase events this season. The match will be streamed live and more details will be available at a later date.
