Philadelphia Union sign Chris Donovan via MLS Waiver Order
By Chris Smith
The Philadelphia Union have signed forward Chris Donovan, claiming him via the MLS Waiver Order.
To push the deal through, the Union sent $50k in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM) to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the No.1 spot on the MLS Waiver Order.
Donovan has been playing with the club's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Philadelphia Union II, scoring three goals and assisting another across 10 appearances this season.
“Chris has truly capitalized on an opportunity at this club and has made incredible strides since arriving in Philadelphia,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a club press release. “His mentality and dedication to his development is a perfect example of what can be achieved in our system and what the Philadelphia Union stands for.
“We brought in a solid MLS NEXT Pro player, and we now believe Chris can immediately contribute to our first team. We look forward to seeing what he does with this opportunity.”
The 21-year-old played college soccer at Drexel University and was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Player of the Year in 2021 as a senior.
Donovan will fall in behind Designated Players Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre on the Union's depth chart, as well as Sergio Santos and Cory Burke.