Philadelphia Union have acquired U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Maurice Edu from Stoke City FC on a one-year loan with an option to purchase, the club announced today. A member of the U.S. 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, Edu joins Philadelphia after being acquired with the Union’s number one overall allocation ranking and will be added to the roster as a Designated Player under MLS policy. Per MLS and club policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“As a U.S. international with experience playing against some of the best competition in the world, Maurice adds a wealth of knowledge, skill and leadership to our club while still being in his prime,” Team Manager John Hackworth said. “We think he will be an excellent addition to our squad and we are very excited to have him return to MLS and represent the Philadelphia Union.”

Edu, a former MLS Rookie of the Year (2007) and No. 1 overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft, returns to MLS after playing in Europe since 2008. The 27-year-old signed with Rangers Football Club in Scotland in 2008, where he went on to make 96 appearances and score nine goals before moving to Stoke City F.C. of the Barclays Premier League in England in 2012. As a member of Rangers, Edu played multiple matches in Europe’s highest professional competition, the UEFA Champions League. He made his Champions League debut in 2010, starting in a draw vs. English side Manchester United. His first Champions League goal was scored just a month later from a header against Valencia of La Liga, Spain’s top flight division. In 2010, Edu also helped his club to a Scottish Premier League title by scoring a 93rd minute goal to ensure a 1-0 over rivals Celtic FC late in the season.

Edu boasts an extensive résumé as a U.S. Men’s National Team member, playing in over 40 matches since 2007. The native Californian made his first appearance in 2007 against Switzerland and notched his first goal in 2010 against Czech Republic. He was also a member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad for the U.S., playing in three matches and recording one start during the competition. Edu started in the final group match, a 1-0 victory over Algeria that saw the Americans advance on a stoppage time goal. Edu played 89 minutes in the following game vs. Ghana in the tournament’s Round of 16.

Edu spent three years at the University of Maryland, where he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances. Additionally, the former All-American helped lead his squad to postseason play in each season at the school, one of which the team captured the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer championship (2005).

Name: Maurice Edu

Position: Midfielder

Age: 27

Birthdate: 4/18/1986

Height: 6-0

Weight: 170

Hometown: Fontana, Calif.

School: University of Maryland