Union sign second round draft pick Taylor Washington

Defender Taylor Washington is officially a member of the Philadelphia Union.

The Union announced the signing of the third pick in the second round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on Friday. The 22-year-old left back played three seasons at George Mason after transferring from Boston University, where he played one season in 2011. He scored two goals and added three assists in his career in a total of 70 games at the two schools.

Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said Washington earned his place on the team by exemplifying "the type of professionalism we want at our club."

"He has a bright future and the ability to immediately contribute at such an important position," Stewart said.

Washington is expected to back up starting left back Fabinho to start the season and is the only other natural left back on the first team roster. Defender Ray Gaddis, the presumed starting right back, has experience playing on the left as well so a loan to Bethlehem Steel FC for minutes is likely.

The Somers, New York native joins fellow draftees Joshua Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry and Fabian Herbers in the Union’s 2016 draft class.

Happy, humbled and thankful to announce that I have signed with the… https://t.co/u9YKrfCOWP

— Taylor Washington (@TaylorW311) February 19, 2016

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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