NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Philadelphia Union Sign Forward Cory Burke

December 22, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Philadelphia Union News Release


Jamaican international joins Union First Team after two seasons with Bethlehem Steel FC

CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union today announced the signing of forward Cory Burke. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Burke joins the Union after playing two seasons with Bethlehem Steel FC, Philadelphia's USL affiliate, where he ranked second on the club in goals last season, with nine. Burke is also a regular with the Jamaican National Team, registering 13 caps since his international debut on September 7, 2016. He will occupy an international roster slot for Philadelphia.

"We are pleased to sign Cory to our First Team and reward his excellent performance with Bethlehem Steel FC," said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. "Cory's success is a testament to the importance of Bethlehem in developing players within our organization. Under Brendan Burke and his staff, Cory has been playing in our system for two years now. We anticipate a successful transition to the Union, and we are looking forward to see Cory take the next step in his career."

Burke joined Steel FC ahead of their inaugural season in 2016 on a year-long loan from Jamaican side Rivoli United, where he plied his trade from 2013-2016, scoring 25 goals in 75 games. He scored four times in 21 years during Bethlehem's debut campaign, and joined the team on a permanent deal ahead of the 2017 season, where he went on to score nine times, ranking second on the club.

Internationally, Burke has played alongside Union goalkeeper Andre Blake with the Jamaican National Team, earning 13 caps over the past 16 months, scoring twice. He made his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Haiti on September 7, 2016. He scored his first international goal just over a month later, tallying against Guyana in Caribbean Cup Qualification on October 12, 2016. He made five appearances in the 2017 Gold Cup, in which Jamaica finished as runners-up.

The MLS offseason continues with Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft, taking place later today, Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m. ET.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign forward Cory Burke on December 21, 2017. He will occupy an international roster slot.

Name: Cory Burke

Position: Forward

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 180

Born: December 28, 1991

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Citizenship: Jamaica

Previous Experience: Rivoli United (2013-2016), Bethlehem Steel FC (2016-2017)

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign forward Cory Burke on December 21, 2017.


• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from December 22, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Philadelphia Union Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central