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MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Sign Defender RJ Allen

July 2, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has signed defender RJ Allen. A right back, Allen's contract with the Union is for the remainder of the 2019 season. He has been added to the active roster immediately and will be available for selection ahead of tomorrow night's regular-season match at Orlando.

"RJ will provide needed depth and cover for our fullback corps," said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. "He has four years of MLS experience and has shown well as a trialist over the past week. We'd like to welcome him to our team."

Allen, Tanner and Union head coach Jim Curtin will be available to members of the media at today's training availability. Interested members of the media are encouraged to arrive at the Power Training Complex fields (2501 Seaport Drive, Chester PA 19013) at 10:45 a.m. ET to capture b-roll or photos of team training. Following the on-field session, interviews will take place fieldside ahead of team travel to Orlando.

With 71 career MLS regular-season games played, Allen comes to the Union after most recently playing in MLS with Orlando City SC, the club at which he spent the 2018 season. He made 18 appearances (10 starts) for the Lions, recording two assists.

PLAYER BIO: RJ Allen

Prior to his tenure in Orlando, he was a member of New York City FC for three years, joining the team two months into their inaugural campaign in 2015. His career-best season came one year later, when he totaled one goal and six assists over 24 matches (19 starts) in 2016. That season, he tied for the MLS lead in assists by a defender, along with Saad Abdul-Salaam, Fabinho, and Taylor Kemp. In all, he played in 53 regular-season matches for NYCFC, amassing one goal and 11 assists. He also started two postseason contests in 2016.

Before playing in MLS, Allen began his professional career in Denmark, playing for Skive IK in 2013. He made 13 appearances for the club, scoring one goal. He also played four years of college soccer at Monmouth University from 2008-11, where he was a 2011 NSCAA All-American Second Team member, a 2010 NSCAA All-American Third Team member and was All-Northeast Conference First Team in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender RJ Allen on July 2, 2019

Name: RJ Allen

Position: Defender

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 165

Hometown: Old Bridge, NJ

Born: April 17, 1990 in Staten Island, NY

Citizenship: United States

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defender RJ Allen on July 2, 2019

Previous Experience: Orlando City SC (2018), New York City FC (2015-17), Skive IK (2013)

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