Union sign academy midfielder Nick Pariano to homegrown deal

The Philadelphia Union have provided another early first-team opportunity to one of their academy prospects.

Nick Pariano became the 21st homegrown signing in Union history on Thursday, signing a two-year contract through 2025, the club announced. Pariano’s contract will also include club options for 2026 and 2027.

The 20-year-old excelled collegiately at Duke University, scoring 10 goals and adding 26 assists in 72 appearances. In 2023, Pariano started in all 18 matches he appeared in, registering career-highs in goals (four), assists (eight), and points (16).

He earned All-ACC First Team Selection honors once, Third Team All-South Region honors twice, All-ACC Second Team honors once, All-ACC Academic Team honors once and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team.

He also featured for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor’easters in 2023, registering six goals (third-most on roster) and two assists. Pariano was named 2023 Mid-Atlantic Division Player of the Year and also made the USL League Two Team of the Year.

“We’ve watched Nick develop throughout his time with Union Academy and into a productive and successful collegiate athlete, and we are excited to now bring him home to the Union,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “He is a very versatile midfielder who can play with both feet and has the ability to read the game well. At just 20-years-old, Nick is a promising talent for the pathway to the pros and we look forward to his continued development in our system.”

Pariano has represented multiple U.S. youth national teams, including featuring with the Under-20’s alongside fellow Union homegrowns and teammates Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan, and Brandan Craig.

The Union kick off their 2024 schedule in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.