The Union's top prospect is officially ready for the team's biggest stage.
Derrick Jones, a 19-year-old central midfielder, has signed a contract to join the senior team. He is the Union's first homegrown player since 2012 and the only current such player on the roster.
The "homegrown player" designation within Major League Soccer's roster rules allows teams to sign its academy prospects without their going through the draft. Clubs can also exempt an allotment of homegrown signings from the salary cap.
"I'm very happy that the technical staff put their trust and belief in me," Jones said.