Homegrown Hopefuls: Academy Players Begin College Careers

Earlier this week, we brought you news of Jimmy McLaughlin, the Union's academy star who debuted with Colgate University with a goal and a Patriot League Rookie of the Week award. But McLaughlin isn't the only homegrown hopeful who began the college season on a good foot this season.

McLaughlin's former FC Delco teammates Mike Gonzalez and Ryan Dodds opened their college careers in the same conference, the Patriot League. Gonzalez has started both of Lehigh's games so far this season, a 0-0 tie with Stony Brook and a 1-0 loss to Fordham. Dodds, who has been given the number '10' jersey, came off the bench and played a part in Lafayette's 2-1 double overtime win over Rider to open the season. Dodds and Lafayette visit Temple tomorrow.

Central defender Matt Jeffery, previously of Players Development Academy, also enjoyed a good start to his college career as he started both of Monmouth University's games to open the year. They won both games by a 1-0 score over Saint Peter's and Boston University.

Finally, Chris Somerville scored a goal in his first week with national powerhouse Virginia. He scored in UVA's 7-1 rout of Richmond. However, it isn't clear as to whether Somerville is still on the Union's Homegrown Player List, because he left FC Delco last year and has never been called into the Union Reserves despite being a very talented striker at a top college program. Keep your browsers pointed here to the Brotherly Game for weekly updates as the first members of the Union Academy play in their freshman college seasons.