To stand out within the Philadelphia Union academy, it’s a must to be fairly particular.
One of the rising hotbeds of American soccer, the Union have been liable for the event of Leeds United Star Brenden Aaronson and Genk center-back Mark McKenzie in the previous couple of years alone. Further again, Arsenal defender Auston Trusty, now on mortgage at Birmingham City, additionally lower his tooth at Subaru Park.
The newest participant seeking to joint that record of extremely proficient alumni is Jack McGlynn.
Born in Middle Village, New York, in July 2003, McGlynn began out with native aspect BW Gottschee earlier than being picked up by the Union academy in 2019. Since then, McGlynn’s profession has gathered tempo at a exceptional fee.
Five targets and three assists in 14 USL appearances with Philadelphia Union II rapidly earned him a homegrown take care of the senior group and though he has featured in MLS NEXT Pro since then, McGlynn’s soccer has primarily been performed below Jim Curtin, who has been left in awe at {the teenager}’s expertise.
“I’ve talked about how special his left foot is. You can’t teach that. It’s God-given and it’s a talent that not many people possess,” Curtin mentioned following McGlynn’s first senior purpose in July – a surprising free-kick in a 6-0 thrashing of the Houston Dynamo.
That purpose got here at the tip of a run of three begins for McGlynn, who went on to increase his season whole to 23 appearances throughout the common season, 9 of which got here from the beginning, whereas offering three assists to go along with his purpose.
The shadow of Aaronson’s success within the Premier League or McKenzie making waves for the aspect at present topping the Belgian prime flight does not appear to be weighing too closely on McGlynn. In reality, it is one thing of an inspiration.
“I’m good friends with both of them and they’re like role models to us,” McGlynn mentioned of Aaronson and McKenzie throughout an unique interview with 90min again in August. “They’ve been on the same path as us and they show that anything’s really possible when you perform here. So it’s just that they’re good role models to look up to because we’re good friends. We know them, so it’s possible for us.”
However, for McGlynn to emulate the Union’s earlier graduates, he should proceed to develop. After serving to Philadelphia end prime of the Eastern Conference, his subsequent problem comes in opposition to an in-form FC Cincinnati aspect within the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The stress of the Playoffs is exclusive in itself and might weigh closely on essentially the most skilled gamers, not to mention a teen at the beginning of his profession.
But McGlynn is fabricated from stern stuff and confidence flows via his veins. The newest star of the Philadelphia Union has risen and is prepared for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
