Philadelphia Union: Union End SuperDraft on Strong Note

The Philadelphia Union concluded their 2017 MLS SuperDraft choices, making three selections with their third and fourth round picks.

The Philadelphia Union selected Syracuse University forward Chris Nanco at 55th overall, West Virginia midfielder and defender Jack Elliott at 77th overall and Pfeiffer University forward Santi Moar at 82nd overall.

Nanco, a native of, Ontario, Canada, was selected in the Third round by Philadelphia. He totaled seven goals while recording 15 points his senior year, which led the team. His goals and point totals were also career-highs. Nanco led Syracuse with five game-winning goals during his senior campaign. The 5’6-145 lb forward was also nominated to First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Overall, the forward made 84 appearances for Syracuse.

Elliott was selected by Philadelphia in the Fourth Round of the SuperDraft. He is a native of London, England and in four seasons as a West Virginia Mountaineer, Elliott appeared in 68 matches, while recording six goals and five assists. Elliott was named to the 2016 NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region First Team in addition to earning CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team honors, becoming WVU’s first three-time Academic All-America honoree. He is a bigger body, standing at 6’6-180 lbs.

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“During the final rounds of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft we were happy with our selections,” said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “We look forward to having these three players in our preseason to experience and continue to build on the culture our club has created.”

The 6’6-180 lb. Moar, was also selected in the Fourth Round, five picks later. A forward from Ordes, Spain spent two seasons at Pfeiffer University, recording 24 goals with an astounding 33 assists. In his final season, Moar racked up 14 goals with 19 assists which led the team.

All three players are expected to be with the team in training camp, but all are expected to start off with the Union’s U.S.L. affiliate, Bethlehem Steel.

These selections also joined second-round choices U.S.F. winger Marcus Epps, and Clemson right-back Aaron Jones who were chosen a day prior. “We got two players that we want to be with the Philadelphia Union for a long time,” Union manager Jim Curtin said.

Next: Overcrowding on the Wings

The Union begin the 2017 campaign by playing at Vancouver Whitecaps F.C. on Sunday, March 5 (9:30 p.m. ET) before returning to Talen Energy Stadium for the 2017 home opener on Saturday, March 11 against reigning Eastern Conference Champs Toronto F.C. (4:30 p.m. ET).

Be sure to check out our five matches to watch for this season, and keep looking on Section 215 for more preseason news on the Boys in Blue.