Union Academy defender verbally commits to Cal Poly

Philadelphia Union Academy defender Freeman Dwamena is heading west next fall to play college soccer for former USMNT coach Steve Sampson.

Dwamena, 18, of Philadelphia, verbally committed to Cal Poly on social media last week. Dwamena has been with the Union Academy since its first season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in 2013-14. Prior to that he was part of the “club and country” Union Academy set-up as a member of club affiliate FC Delco.

He scored a goal in 24 appearances for the U16 team in 2013-14, a goal in 13 appearances for the U16s in 2014-15 and has made 29 appearances for the U18 team in central defense over the last two seasons.

The Mustangs had a down season this year, finishing 5-9-3 in the second year under head coach Steve Sampson, who coached the U.S. national team from 1995-1998, the Costa Rica national team from 2002-2004 and LA Galaxy from 2004-2006. The losing season this year was the first for the program since 2011.

Cal Poly is located in San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The men’s soccer team competes in the Big West Conference.

Dwamena is one of two current Union Academy players heading west for the 2017 season. Back line teammate Andrew Aprahamian is committed to join Stanford next fall.