CHESTER, Pa. (March 9, 2022) – Philadelphia Union II today announced the signing of six MLS NEXT Pro players. Following the announcement of their inaugural signing of academy product Pierre Nelson, the club also announced their signing of forward Stefan Stojanovic, goalkeeper Brooks Thompson, forward Chris Donovan, midfielder Maike Villero, midfielder Juan Perdomo, and defender Nathan Nkanji to MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts.
“Philadelphia Union II is a place where top, young talents will have a platform to show their talents and grow in a competitive and exciting environment,” said Union II Head Coach, Marlon LeBlanc. “Stefan, Brooks, Chris, Maike, Juan and Nathan will join Nelson Pierre as a core of outstanding players that will set a standard for those that follow in their footsteps at Union II.”
Stojanovic, 21, appeared in 29 matches (11 starts) in his two years at Saint Louis University before transferring to Georgetown University in 2021, where he scored nine goals in 18 appearances (18 starts). Stojanovic was also part of a U.S. U-20 Men's National Team training camp in January 2020 at IMG Academy in Florida.
Thompson, 19, joins the club after playing three years in the USL with Sporting Kansas City II, becoming the youngest professional signing in Sporting Kansas City II history when he signed a USL Championship contract in March of 2019. Since then, Brooks has made 12 appearances for the club. In a shortened 2020 USL Championship season, Thompson made 26 saves and maintained a 1.17 GAA in six matches.
Donovan, 21, scored 30 goals and recorded 13 assists in 60 appearances (57 starts) in his four years at Drexel University. Donovan also won many accolades in his senior year as a Dragon. Some notable accolades include the Philadelphia Inquirer Men’s Soccer Performer of the Year, Chris Jones Philly Soccer Six Player of the Year, Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year, and the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region First Team.
Perdomo, 21, joins Union II after spending most of his career with Venezuelan Primera División side Deportivo Lara from 2019-2021. Perdomo appeared in 43 matches, scoring two and assisting one. Perdomo will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
Additionally, Union II has signed 20-year-old Nathan Nkanji, who played for MLS NEXT founding member club, Chargers SC, before joining UPSL side Florida Premier. The final addition to the squad is Maike Villero a 21-year-old Venezuelan who joins the club on loan from Deportivo La Guaira FC. Last year he played for Atlético Venezuela C.F., where he scored one goal and one assist in 30 appearances. Villero will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
