The 2017 season was quite the journey for defender Matt Real, one that began with setbacks during the preseason but with hard work and persistence, ended with great accomplishments.
The left back’s year began on January 17 when he signed with the club surrounded by his family along with Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart and Union head coach Jim Curtin. After showing tremendous promise in a pair of appearances with Steel FC in 2016, Real joined the club as a 17-year-old professional.
Real’s professional journey began at the Philadelphia Union Academy and continued the first months of the season as the club trained tirelessly for the approaching campaign.