Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder Matej Oravec Slovakian U-21 National Team Defensive Midfielder joins Union from Slovak club FK DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda

CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 20, 2020) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed defensive midfielder Matej Oravec from FK DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 21-year-old will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa and will occupy an international roster slot.

"We’re excited to welcome Matej to the Philadelphia Union. He is a mobile, aggressive midfielder who can distribute effectively to start our transitions,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. “He helps us continue our plan to build a roster that can execute our unique style of play and compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.”

Oravec comes to Philadelphia from the first-tier Slovakian league, Fortuna Liga, where he played for FK DAC. He made 17 appearances in the 2019/2020 season, in addition to starting two games each in the Europa League Qualifiers and the Slovnaft Cup. During the 2018/19 season he played for Spartak Trnava making 23 appearances including two in the Slovnaft Cup, two in Europa League Qualifiers and one in Champions League Qualifiers, as well as FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova where he appeared 14 times. In the combined 37 games, Oravec added two goals and an assist.

Oravec made his professional debut for FC Spartak Trnava on July 17, 2016. He has played for the Slovakia Men’s U18, U19 and U20 National Teams and is currently a member of the U21 squad. In 2018 he was nominated for the Golden Boy Award, an award presented to the best U21 player in Europe.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder Matej Oravec on January 20, 2020. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

Name: Matej Oravec

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 165 lbs

Born: March 30, 1998

Hometown: Trvnava, Slovakia

Citizenship: Slovakia

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder Matej Oravec on January 20, 2020.

Previous Experience: FK DAC (2019-2020), Spartak Trnava and FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova (2018-2019)