Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Nathan Harriel to Homegrown Contract

CHESTER, PA (July 17, 2020)- Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has signed defender Nathan Harriel to a Homegrown Player contract effective on January 1, 2021. Harriel will play with Philadelphia Union II on a USL Championship contract for the remainder of the 2020 season before joining the first team. The Union acquired the MLS Homegrown Player rights for Harriel from Orlando City SC in exchange for a 2021 MLS SuperDraft first round pick. This is the first professional contract for the 19-year-old defender from Oldsmar, Fla.

"Nate is a promising young player who has a lot of potential to thrive in our style of play,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “He can dominate wide areas with his speed and looks to play forward quickly after winning the ball. His versatility on the backline makes him a valuable asset to the team and we look forward to watching him develop as he continues to progress through our system.”

Harriel joined the Union Academy system in 2018, where he made an immediate impact and within a season became a mainstay on the Union II defensive line. In 2019, the right back logged more than 1,800 minutes in 23 appearances.

Harriel is also making an impression with the United States Youth National team. He has been called up to U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-23 teams, earning six appearances across the four teams. In his most recent appearance with the U-20 team, he netted his first youth national goal in a 2-2 draw during a friendly against Mexico.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Nathan Harriel to a Homegrown Player contract, effective January 1, 2021, on July 17, 2020. The Union traded a 2021 MLS SuperDraft first round pick to Orlando City SC in exchange for Harriel’s Homegrown Player rights. Harriel will join Union II for the remainder of the 2020 USL Championship season.

Name: Nathan Harriel
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 169 lb.
Born: 4/23/2001
Hometown: Oldsmar, Fla.
Citizenship: USA
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defender Nathan Harriel on July 17, 2020, who will immediately join Union II.