Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Matt Real to New Contract

February 2, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Philadelphia Union News Release

CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has reached an agreement on a new contract with defender Matt Real. The 23-year-old Homegrown is on a guaranteed contract through 2024 an option for 2025.

"Matt's development both at left back and in the center of defense will be extremely valuable for us as we compete in multiple tournaments this season," said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. "We are confident Matt's growth means he can be a contributor in the different formations we deploy this year. His hard work improving his game is proof that he has a lot to offer as we aim to improve on our historic 2022 season."

Real made his debut with the club on March 31, 2018, against the Colorado Rapids, making a goal line clearance to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime. His first goal for the club came against rivals New York Red Bulls on September 26, 2020, where he came on as a substitute to tally the team's third goal of the match in the 78th minute and help keep a clean sheet on the road. In 2022, Real made eight appearances (two starts), scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids on August 27. Additionally, he won 52.6% of his duels and had a 74.6% passing accuracy.

Internationally, Real has earned 11 appearances for the United States Men's U-20 National Team. He received his first call up in 2017 ahead of the inaugural United States Youth National Team Summit Camp in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was named captain of the team and started each of their first three Group Stage matches, all victories. Real started the first match of the qualification stage vs. Costa Rica on November 16, in which the U.S. won and clinched a berth in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also started the final vs. Mexico, a 2-0 win on November 21. On May 10, he was named to the U.S. roster for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign Homegrown defender Matt Real to a new contract through 2024 on February 2, 2023.

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