CHESTER, Pa. (June 17, 2022) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed forward Chris Donovan to an MLS contract after claiming him off waivers. Philadelphia Union obtained priority position in the waiver order in a trade with Chicago Fire FC in which the Union acquired the No. 1 position in the MLS Waiver Order for the waiver claiming period that commenced on June 14, 2022, in return for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money.
“Chris has truly capitalized on an opportunity at this club and has made incredible strides since arriving in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “His mentality and dedication to his development is a perfect example of what can be achieved in our system and what the Philadelphia Union stands for. We brought in a solid MLS NEXT Pro player, and we now believe Chris can immediately contribute to our first team. We look forward to seeing what he does with this opportunity.”
Donovan, 21, has made ten appearances (seven starts) for Philadelphia Union II, Union’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, leading the team with three goals and one assist. He made his MLS NEXT Pro debut on March 27, 2022, where he registered his first assist of the season against FC Cincinnati 2. On April 24, 2022, Donovan recorded his first two goals of the season against Chicago Fire FC II. He leads the team with 30 shots and has the fifth most in the league this season.
Donovan scored 30 goals and recorded 13 assists in 60 appearances (57 starts) in his four years at Drexel University. He also earned many accolades in his senior year, including 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.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union receive the No.1 position in the MLS Waiver Order from Chicago Fire FC in exchange for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money. Philadelphia Union aquire forward Chris Donovan off waivers and sign him first team contract on June 17, 2022.
Name: Chris Donovan*
Position:* Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 164
Born: August 8, 2000Birthplace: Paoli, PennsylvaniaHometown: Paoli, PennsylvaniaCitizenship: United States*
Acquired:* Philadelphia Union sign forward Chris Donovan on June 17, 2022.
