The Philadelphia Union signed 18-year old Colgate midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin to a pro contract today (via Philadelphia Union.com). McLaughlin will be the Union's second homegrown player. Zach Pfeffer was the team's first homegrown player signing in 2010. Terms of the contract with McLaughlin were not disclosed.
McLaughlin entered the Union Academy in 2010. He assisted on a goal in his U-17 debut. He has made Reserve League appearances against the New York Red Bulls, D.C. United and New England Revolution. This past season, McLaughlin appeared in friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid and a match against PDL affiliate Reading United.
McLaughlin played in all 22 matches for Colgate during the 2011 season. He scored one goal (a game-winner in his debut against Syracuse) and three assist during the season which earned him the 2011 Patriot League Rookie of the Year Award.
It is certainly interesting that the team signed McLaughlin to a contract the same day that they declined the option of an original Union player, midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi.