Philadelphia Union bring in Alajuelense youth on trial

The Philadelphia Union have brought in 18-year-old midfielder Eduardo Juarez on a 10-day trial, according to Costa Rican media. Juarez is currently a member of Costa Rican giants Alajuelense’s youth squad and has represented Costa Rica at the U17 and U20 levels, playing in the 2015 U17 World Cup and the 2017 U20 World Cup for Los Ticos – the same U20 World Cup where the Union’s Auston Trusty and Derrick Jones played (although the United States and Costa Rica never met in the tournament).

It’s unclear what role Juarez would play with the Union if he’s signed by the club to occupy the last open roster spot.

While the team’s biggest need is at central attacking midfielder, Juarez played further down the pitch either as a central midfielder or a central defensive midfielder for the Costa Rican U20s. Especially with Juarez’ status as an international player, he may fit better with Bethlehem Steel FC than the first team at this point.