Union complete opening day roster by signing three

By John McMullen
jmcmullen@phanaticmag.com

CHESTER, Pa (The Phanatic Magazine) - The Philadelphia Union filled out their opening day roster by signing SuperDraft selection Don Anding, along with Supplemental pick Leo Fernandes and returning goalkeeper Chris Konopka.

The trio has been training with the club since the start of preseason.

Anding, a native of Amity Harbor, N.Y., was drafted as a forward out of Northeastern University.  A 2012 College Player of the Year semifinalist and an NSCAA third team All-American, Anding was also named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year in his junior season (2011) and was the CAA Rookie of the Year in 2009. 

Fernandes, a 21-year-old midfielder from Stony Brook University, was selected 62nd overall in the MLS Supplemental Draft.  A three-time America East midfielder of the year, he was also selected as the 2009 America East Rookie of the Year.  Fernandes, a Reading United product, is the first player from Stony Brook to be drafted by MLS.

Konopka, a 27-year-old goalkeeper from Toms River, N.J., spent last year with the Union after being signed prior to the start of the 2012 season. He earned six saves in his first start of the year on May 26 at Toronto FC and earned a shutout three days later in a 3-0 win against Rochester Rhinos, the club’s first-ever US Open Cup victory. A Kansas City Wizards Supplemental pick in 2007, the former Providence College keeper has also spent time with New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.