BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC announced on Wednesday that the club had signed forward Chris Nanco. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“Chris is an attacking piece and brings pace to the field which is something as a coach you are happy to have as they can impact the game in so many ways,” said Steel FC Head Coach Brendan Burke. “I expect Chris to be a positive influence on the group and bring his experience from Syracuse into the team.”

A third-round pick by the Philadelphia Union in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Nanco joins Steel FC after playing the last four years under Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre. During his college career, Nanco appeared in 84 matches for the Orangemen, earning 80 starts. The Brampton, Ontario, native scored 20 goals during that stretch, including a team-high seven during his senior season last fall. Nanco was a consistent goal scoring threat for Syracuse, ranking in the top three in goals all four seasons.

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Nanco led his squad to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the team’s first College Cup appearance in program history in 2015. The 22-year-old was an All-ACC first team selection his senior year, leading Syracuse with seven goals in 20 appearances. Nanco notched the team’s opening goal in their second-round NCAA Tournament victory against Dartmouth.

“It feels good to be here and a part of an USL team that has an MLS atmosphere,” Nanco said. “I’ve managed to develop friendships quickly since joining the team and there are a lot of great athletes on Steel FC. It’s a good place to be and I’m happy, comfortable and feel that this is a place where I can grow as a player.”

Prior to joining Syracuse, Nanco helped Canada to a silver medal at the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship in Jamaica. He also scored the game-winning goal against Trinidad and Tobago to secure the Canadians spot in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Nanco was also a member of the U-17 World Cup squad that competed in Mexico that year.