Union Academy prospect David Vazquez signed to MLS Next Pro contract

The signature of Philadelphia Union Academy prospect David Vazquez has been secured with the announcement that the 18-year-old has signed an MLS Next Pro contract.

The length of the contract and terms were not disclosed but Vazquez will be a focal point of the Philadelphia Union II attack this year as a signed pro.

“Since joining the academy David has shown immense growth in development and has proven to be a highly intelligent player,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc in a news release. “At a young age, he has the attributes needed to grow in to a productive and pivotal asset to the team, and we look forward to watching him develop in his second season.”

Vazquez, who turned 18 last week, joined the Union Academy in 2021 and becomes the club’s sixth academy player to sign an MLS Next Pro professional contract with Union II.

Prior to joining the Union, he played for Total Futbol Academy in the southern California. He chose the Philadelphia Union’s academy over staying home and playing for LAFC or LA Galaxy, which reportedly led to a fine from the league office and a requirement that the Union compensate both MLS clubs for the right to sign him.

Internationally, Vazquez has earned 17 appearances for the U17 USMNT. A standout player in the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship, Vasquez registered four assists on the way to a second-place finish that secured a 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth. On November 21, 2023, he scored his first goal in the 2023 U-17 World Cup Round of 16 against Germany.