Philadelphia Union Sign Academy Product Cole Turner To Pre-Contract Turner to officially join Union as a Homegrown Player on January 1, 2020; Midfielder also signs professional contract with Bethlehem Steel FC effective immediately

CHESTER, Pa. (July 17, 2019) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed Academy Product Cole Turner to a pre-contract, which will take effect on January 1, 2020. At that time, Turner would become the 11th Homegrown Player in Union history.

Additionally, the 18-year-old midfielder has also signed a USL Championship contract with Bethlehem Steel FC for the remainder of 2019, effective immediately and pending league and federation approval. Turner becomes one of six current Academy Products signed to the Steel FC roster, while the Union first team also has six Homegrown Players, totaling 12 players from the Union Academy currently signed to professional contracts within the organization.

“We are very happy to have completed the signing of Cole Turner,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “He has a strong knowledge of the game and a sharp awareness — the type of player who always seems to be in the right position in central midfield. He is an exciting young prospect and we are looking forward to helping him grow as a professional.”

Turner spent three years in the Philadelphia Union Academy’s Residency Program and played with the Academy’s U13/14, U16/17 and U18/19 squads. Over the course of his time with the Academy, he made 65 appearances (52 starts), scoring eight goals. Turner joined Steel FC at the club’s preseason training camp in Clearwater, Florida prior to this season.

Turner has also gained experience with Steel FC while playing for the club as an Academy player. He has started in eight of the Steel’s matches so far this season, making a total of 11 appearances, while providing one assist. Turner recorded his first assist for Steel FC in the club’s 3-0 win over Hartford Athletic on June 28. Internationally, the midfielder has also received a call-up from the United States Under-14 Boys’ National Team.

TRANSACTION: Bethlehem Steel FC signs midfielder Cole Turner on July 17, 2019; Turner also signs a pre-contract with Philadelphia Union, effective January 1, 2020

Name: Cole Turner

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 175

Hometown: Churchville, MD

Born: July 7, 2001 in Churchville, MD

Citizenship: United States

Acquired: Bethlehem Steel FC signs midfielder Cole Turner on July 17, 2019; Turner also signs a pre-contract with Philadelphia Union, effective January 1, 2020.