CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 13, 2015) – The Philadelphia Union announced today the club has acquired 26-year-old Brazilian defender Anderson Conceição on loan for the duration of the 2016 season, pending the receipt of a P-1 Visa and an international transfer certificate (ITC). Conceição is contracted to Tombense FC and played for America Mineiro in 2015, where he helped the club win promotion to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the highest division of Brazilian soccer. Per club and league policy, additional details were not disclosed.



“Anderson’s natural athletic ability and winning pedigree was really something we zeroed in on during our offseason assessment,” Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said. “He’s the type of defender who really addresses some of our technical needs and we strongly believe we’re getting someone who is committed to helping build the next chapter of our club.”



Conceição, a left footed center back, joins the Union from Tombense FC of Brazil’s Série C. He joined Tombense in June 2011, but has spent the majority of his tenure on various loan spells at larger clubs. In 2015, Conceição played for América Mineiro, where he appeared in 30 matches while helping the team achieve promotion to Série A for the 2016 season. During the 2012-2013 season, Conceição played for La Liga’s RCD Mallorca, appearing in 19 matches in all competitions including two matches in the Copa del Rey.



In 2016, the Philadelphia Union will open its seventh season in Major League Soccer at Talen Energy Stadium. The season opener will be at FC Dallas on March 6, with home opener coming two weeks later on March 20 against New England Revolution. For ticket information, visit philadelphiaunion.com/tickets or call 1-877-21-UNION.

PROFILE

Anderson Conceição

Position: Center back

Height: 6-2

Date of Birth: Oct. 24, 1989 (age 26)

Place of birth: Caravelas, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Last club: America Mineiro (on loan from Tombense FC)

Transaction: Joined the Philadelphia Union on loan from Tombense FC on Jan. 13, 2016.