CHESTER, Pa. (August 23, 2022) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed midfielder Jeremy Rafanello to a Homegrown Player contract. The 22-year-old youth international joins the Union on a one-and-a-half-year contract with a club option for a third and fourth year.
“We are very excited to bring Jeremy home to the Union. He was a standout in our academy and after developing his game both locally and abroad, we are confident he can contribute to multiple roles in our system,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “He clearly has the mentality we look for in young players and is yet another example of the strong talent we continue to foster in our academy.”
The Delran, New Jersey native rejoins the Union after spending two seasons in the USL Championship, where he made 56 appearances, scoring 11 goals, including two braces, and adding seven assists in that time.
Prior to playing in the USLC, Rafanello played for Philadelphia Union Academy, graduating from YSC Academy in 2018. In his final season with the academy, Rafanello ranked fourth in USSDA goal scoring. Rafanello went on to play one season with Pennsylvania State University men’s soccer team, scoring three goals in 18 appearances and was named to the 2018 Big Ten All-Freshman team. Following his collegiate campaign, Rafanello signed his first professional contract with FC Helsingor in 2019.
Internationally, Rafanello has been called up to the U.S. U-19 squad where he made his debut on May 7, 2018, in an 8-0 victory in a friendly against Kazakhstan.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign midfielder Jeremy Rafanello to a Homegrown Contract on August 23, 2022.
Name: Jeremy Rafanello
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’0
Weight: 165 lbs.
Born: April 14, 2000
Birthplace: Delran Township, New Jersey
Hometown: Delran Township, New Jersey
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign midfielder Jeremy Rafanello on August 23, 2022.
