The Philadelphia Union surprised its fans by signing 15-year-old Zach Pfeffer as its first ever homegrown player.
↵Pfeffer's signing wasn't a surprise because of his age but rather because Union fans and supporters were expecting any announcement to be the confirmation of the signing of a different player - Faryd Mondragon. Mondragon is expected to become the Union's first designated player signing as the 38-year-old goalkeeper is set to have his contract with FC Koln of the Bundesliga - the German top league - terminated on Dec. 31. Instead fans were greeted at 11am with the announcement that Pfeffer was an official member of the Union.
↵At 15 years old (he will turn 16 on Jan. 6), Pfeffer becomes the youngest Philadelphia-area athlete to sign a professional contract since Bobby Convey was drafted (SuperDraft) and signed by DC United in 2000.
↵For more on Pfeffer, Mondragon and the Union join the Brotherly Game.