Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has reached an agreement on a new contract with forward Chris Donovan. The 23-year-old is guaranteed to be under contract through 2025 with club options for 2026 and 2027.
In the 2023 Audi MLS Cup playoffs, Donovan scored the game-winning goal against New England Revolution that secured the Union their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“Throughout his time with the Union, Chris has capitalized on every opportunity given and has played an important role in games of consequence,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “He is committed to furthering his development which is evident by the impressive strides he’s made over the last two years, especially in this past season. We look forward to his continued contributions in the years to come.”
In his 2023 campaign, Donovan made 18 appearances (four starts) for the Union in regular season play. This season he scored his first career MLS goal against New York City FC on July 15, and registered his first career MLS assist against New England Revolution on May 5. His first professional goal over all competitions came in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, scoring against Minnesota United FC. Donovan capped his season by scoring the game-winning goal against New England Revolution to send the Union to the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinals. In this year’s inaugural Leagues Cup, Donovan appeared in five of seven matches where he scored the game-winning goal late in stoppage time in the quarterfinals against Queretaro F.C. Additionally, Donovan is one of just two players on the team to score in four different competitions in 2023: MLS Regular Season, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and MLS Cup Playoffs.
Donovan also heavily contributed to Philadelphia Union II this season, scoring six goals, and registering three assists in 11 appearances (11 starts) to help Union II clinch playoffs for their second consecutive season.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign forward Chris Donovan to a new contract through 2025 with club options for 2026 and 2027 on December 19, 2023.
