Matej Oravec loaned out to unnamed club to meet roster rules for internationals

Matej Oravec has been loaned out to an unknown team in order to meet roster rules for international players, Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin confirmed after Sunday night’s scoreless draw.

“It’s not official yet so I don’t want to announce that publicly,” Curtin said when asked the name of the team.

The Union entered the 2021 season with nine international players but only eight available. Seven international players dressed for the Columbus Crew game. An eighth international player — Cory Burke — has been hurt and is also awaiting a green card.

Sporting Director Ernst Tanner has noted on a number of occasions the difficulty in getting green cards over the past 12 months. Kacper Przybylko, Jamiro Monteiro, Kai Wagner and Sergio Santos are all now in their third seasons with the Union (Przybylko joined in late 2018 but didn’t play until the following season).

Oravec, 23, was acquired last offseason for an undisclosed transfer fee and signed to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year but has not featured in any competition beyond preseason scrimmages. He also hasn’t played for Philadelphia Union II.