Philadelphia Union II announced today that they have signed Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder David Vazquez to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract and will be added to Union II’s active roster immediately.
“Since joining the academy David has shown immense growth in development and has proven to be a highly intelligent player,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach, Marlon LeBlanc. “At a young age, he has the attributes needed to grow in to a productive and pivotal asset to the team, and we look forward to watching him develop in his second season.”
Vazquez, 18, joined the Union Academy in 2021 and becomes the club's sixth academy player to sign an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with Union II. Starting in 18 of his 22 appearances for Union II in league play, Vazquez scored five goals and added two assists to his tally. His standout performance against Chicago Fire FC II last season earned him MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday honors from the league after scoring the game-winning goal in Union II's 2-1 victory on April 16, 2023. The goal marked his first professional goal and the league’s 1,000th regular-season goal in MLS NEXT Pro history. On September 24, 2023, Vazquez scored a goal on the road against New York Red Bulls II to secure a 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoff spot and earned him MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday honors once again. In his 2023 campaign, David registered the second most key passes on the team with 38. With a 47.3% duel percentage this season, Vazquez had the most duels on the team with 273.
In April of 2023, Vazquez played a crucial role in the Philadelphia Union U17's Generation adidas Cup triumph against Dallas. In 2022, Vazquez played an integral role in the Philadelphia Union U17's comeback victory in MLS NEXT Cup final against Columbus with the game-tying goal.
Internationally, Vazquez has earned 17 appearances for the U17 USMNT. A standout player in the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, Vasquez registered four assists on the way to a second-place finish that secured a 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth. On November 21, 2023, he scored his first goal in the 2023 U-17 World Cup Round of 16 against Germany.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union II sign midfielder David Vazquez to an MLS NEXT Pro contract on February 29, 2024.
Name: David Vazquez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 142.5
Born: February 22, 2006
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Philadelphia Union II sign midfielder David Vazquez.
