Philadelphia Union have announced that they have signed defender Aaron Jones, who was originally selected by the club in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13 in Los Angeles at 33rd overall and has been in preseason camp with Philadelphia for its entirety. He becomes the second member of the Union’s 2017 SuperDraft class to sign an MLS contract with the club, joining Marcus Epps. Jones is set to be added to the Union’s active roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa.
“We are pleased to sign Aaron to an official MLS contract,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Aaron has impressed throughout his time with us in preseason camp, displaying quickness, his ability in passing and on free kicks, and his aggressive one-on-one defending. We look forward to bringing him aboard officially and tracking his development at the rightback position over the years to come.”
Jones, 22, was selected in the Second Round by the Union at last month’s SuperDraft. A defender, he played for two seasons at Georgia State University before transferring to Clemson University for two additional collegiate campaigns. The Great Yarmouth, England native was Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2014.
While at Georgia State in 2013 and 2014, Jones made a total of 36 appearances (35 starts), scoring three goals while adding five assists. He was named to the Dean’s List in the Fall 2013 semester. He transferred to Clemson ahead of the 2015 season, where he would make 39 appearances (38 starts) for the Tigers over two campaigns, scoring four goals and adding seven assists.
Before coming to the United States, the defender played for the Ipswich Town Developmental Team in England.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender and 33rd overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Aaron Jones on February 23, 2017.
Name: Aaron Jones
Position: Defender
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 160
Born: March 12, 1994 in Great Yarmouth, England
Hometown: Great Yarmouth, England
Citizenship: United Kingdom
Acquired: Selected in the Second Round (33rd overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13, 2017. Signed by Philadelphia on February 23, 2017
Previous Experience: Georgia State University (2013-2014), Clemson University (2015-2016)
