The Philadelphia Union have signed defender Ken Tribbett from Bethlehem Steel FC, the club announced Tuesday. Tribbett was originally signed this offseason by the Union affiliate and USL expansion club and will become the first player to join the Union via that mechanism.

“We have always valued Ken’s ability and potential, which was a prime reason we were so adamant to keep him within our organization,” Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said. “However, once camp started, Ken displayed a next level in his game and it became evident he needed to be a permanent fixture with our first team. We’re delighted with his progress and we believe in his ability to make an impact for our club this year.”

Tribbett, a 23-year-old center back, was an original signee for the expansion club, but was on trial with Union throughout the 2016 preseason. He played for Harrisburg City Islanders in 2015 and started 28 matches, while scoring three goals in his first professional season. Prior to the City Islanders, Tribbett played in PDL for the Michigan Bucks in 2014. A four-year starter at Drexel University, the then-defensive midfielder earned second team All-South Atlantic region, first team All-Colonial Athletic Association and CAA All-Tournament honors after leading Dragons to their first CAA Tournament title and a second consecutive berth in the NCAA tournament during his senior year.

Philadelphia Union single game and group tickets are available now by visiting philadelphiaunion.com/tickets or calling 1-877-21-UNION. Fans interested in full or partial season ticket packages can enjoy all the benefits of a season ticket membership. This includes up to 33 percent off single game ticket pricing, discounted parking options, access to the Union Rewards program and much more.

PLAYER PROFILE

Ken Tribbett

Position: Defender

School: Drexel University

Date of Birth: Aug. 25, 1991 (age 23)

Hometown: Centennial, Colo.

Citizenship: USA

Height: 6-2

Weight: 170

Twitter: @kentribbett

Last club: Bethlehem Steel FC

Transaction: Signed with Philadelphia Union on Feb. 23, 2016