Veljko Paunovic

Forward Veljko Paunović, who last played for Partizan FK of the Serbian SuperLiga, signed with the Union on June 13, 2011. The striker, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, joined the Union after spending the majority of his professional career in Spain’s La Liga. 

Paunović made his professional debut in 1994 with Partizan FK at the age of 17. Only a year later, Paunović made his move to Spain, where he represented seven clubs in his 13 years in the country, netting 73 goals in 341 matches. Starring the vast majority of the time with Atletico de Madrid (1996-98, 1999-00, 2001-02, 2003-05), Paunović also had stints with UD Marbella (1995-96), RCD Mallorca (1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02), Real Oviedo S.A.D. (2000-01), CD Tenerife (2002-03), Getafe C.F.S.A.D. (2005-07) and Unión Deportiva Almería (2007-08).

Paunović was transferred to Bundesliga club Hannover 96 in 2005, and a year after returned to La Liga’s Getafe for two seasons. The striker was then sent out to FC Rubin Kazan in the Russian Premier League for a brief stint in 2007 before heading to his final Spanish destination, Almería. 

The Serbian National Team called Paunović up in 2002, debuting him on February 13 during a 2-1 victory over Mexico. The striker’s second and last cap came in a friendly with Northern Ireland on April 28, 2004, where he scored the lone goal in a 1-1 draw.

2011: In June, Paunovic signed with Philadelphia after three years away from soccer… He brings invaluable experience to Philadelphia, with a playing career spanning across five countries, over 400 games played and 86 goals… He played in 17 matches and started in 16 during the second half of the season for Philadelphia… Scored three goals and assisted three times… Played in one postseason match for 67 minutes.

2009: In July, Paunovic spent time on trial with New York Red Bulls but didn't reach agreement with the club.

2005-2008: Transferred to Hannover 96 of the Bundesliga where he made six appearances before returning to La Liga side Getafe where he played for two seasons making 44 appearances and scoring ten goals…In March 2007 Paunovic signed with Russian side FC Rubin Kazan and played 16 matches scoring once… In 2008 he moved from Almeria of La Liga to FK Partizan of the Serbian SuperLiga.

2002-2004: Called up to the Serbian National Team in February 2002 in a 2-1 victory over Mexico… Made his second, and last appearance for the National Team in April 2004 scoring the lone goal in a 1-1 draw.