The Union have struck a deal with Hoffenhemin striker Kai Herdling, 27, who will come to Philadelphia on loan until June 30 with an option to extend the temporary transfer to Dec. 31.
Herdling was brought in to aid a young unit that has helped produce just three goals with one of them on a penalty kick in Saturday's win over the Crew.
The Union already have five strikers on roster but none have seen consistent playing time with the exception of Lionard Pajoy, who has amsssed just one marker.
Former No. 1 overall SuperDraft pick Danny Mwanga once showed great offensive promise but Peter Nowak's mix-and-match lineup changes from week-to-week has certainly stunted the Oregon State product's growth. Meanwhile, Jack McInerney, Costa Rican international Josue Martinez and Generation Adidas rookie Chandler Hoffman have barely garnered playing time in 2012.
In 24 appearances this season for Hoffenheim II, the club's reserve team, the 27-year-old is currently second in assists in the Regionalliga Süd with 14, while adding nine goals. In 2010-2011, the striker netted 19 goals in only 30 appearances. Herdling has served as captain for Hoffenheim II.
Herdling played the first half of the 2009 season with SV Waldhof Mannheim of the Regionalliga Süd, where he scored 10 goals in 14 appearances. He returned to 1899 Hoffenheim in January 2010 and has appeared once for the first team since.
Before signing professionally, Herdling featured for the youth sides of SG Heidelberg-Kirchheim (1996-2000) & SpVgg Neckarsteinach (2000-2002).
Herdling will be eligible to play for the Union upon completion of his P-1 visa and receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC) .
"Kai will be missed heavily, especially as a leader. But we also respect his wish and want him given a chance without putting obstacles in his way," Hoffenheim II coach Frank Kramer said on Hoffenhemin's website.
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