skip navigation

Steel FC’s Real, McKenzie Sign with Union

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 01/18/18, 6:05PM EST

Share

Homegrown duo featured in 2017 USL Cup Playoffs berth for Bethlehem

CHESTER, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday a pair of former Bethlehem Steel FC players had joined the club as Homegrown signings, with defenders Matthew Real and Mark McKenzie both joining the club ahead of the 2018 Major League Soccer season.

An 18-year-old defender from Drexel Hill, Pa., Real signed with Steel FC last season on a USL contract. A member of the U.S. U20 National Team squad that recently convened in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. for the United States Youth National Team Summit Camp, Real made 18 appearances for Bethlehem in the 2017 regular season and USL Cup Playoffs, recording 43 interceptions, 48 clearances and winning 23 of 33 tackles as Steel FC reached the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time.

“We couldn’t be prouder to welcome Matt to our First Team as a Homegrown Player,” said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Matt has truly earned this contract through his outstanding work along our Path to the Pros, first in our Academy and then in the USL as an 18-year-old. Left back is a difficult position, and Matt was exceptional against good competition for Steel FC last year. He brings an attacking-minded outlook to our fullback corps. We look forward to seeing him take the next step here in Philadelphia.”

McKenzie made nine appearances across two seasons with Steel FC as an Academy signing, including six starts in the 2017 USL season, before attending Wake Forest University this past fall. An 18-year-old center back from Bear, Delaware, McKenzie joined Real as part of the U.S. U20 National Team squad at the United States Youth National Team Summit Camp earlier this month.

“We’re delighted to have Mark begin his professional career by joining us as a Homegrown Player this season,” said Stewart. “Mark is a promising center back who made an impact for Wake Forest last year, a very good team at the collegiate level. It’s special any time you sign a Homegrown, and Mark is no exception. In this case, he made a difficult decision to leave school to sign with us, and we don’t take that lightly. We look forward to helping him with his development as he takes the next step with the Union.”

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos