New York City FC confirmed reports this afternoon that the club has acquired defender Ethan White from the Philadelphia Union. The Union receive a 2017 fourth round draft pick in return for White.
White has been in Major League Soccer since 2010, where he spent four seasons with DC United before being traded to Philadelphia last summer. The defender has 64 career MLS matches under his belt in five seasons.
Philadelphia, in essence, is dumping White's salary, allowing new Sporting Director Earnie Stewart to continue to overhaul the Union's roster. Today's trade has not been the first for Philadelphia. The Union acquired Chris Pontius from DC United this week, while also shipping off Andrew Wenger and Christian Maidana to Houston.
For New York City, the trade is relative coup for a club who definitely needs defensive help. One of NYCFC's starts from last season, Shay Facey, has returned to Manchester after his loan finished this month.
“I’m really pleased,” White told NYCFC.com. “It’s a great opportunity for me to join an exciting club that’s looking to do big things. I’m very happy to be a part of this and I am determined to help the club achieve success. I’m already looking forward to joining my new teammates for pre-season.”
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna added, “We are excited to add an athletic and experienced center-half in Ethan White to our roster. He is a young player and we are looking forward to working with him and developing his game even further.”
White will join Jason Hernandez and Jefferson Mena as the clubs only center backs. Yesterday, EmpireofSoccer.com reported the team might also look to sign Jorge Teixeira of Standard Leige as a defense option as well. The team has also brought in former Chivas USA and Seattle Sounders defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado on trial, and he is expected to play in their match Friday night. White will not join the team in Puerto Rico, having made previous plans in Cancun for vacation.
New York City will take on the national team of Puerto Rico Friday in San Juan. New City head coach Patrick Vieira is en route to join his new club after managing his last match for Manchester City's academy on Tuesday.