Union sign Catic, loan Berry to South Korean team

Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union signed rookie forward Dzenan Catic on Monday.

A second round pick out of Davenport University (Mich.), Catic was the 2014 NAIA Player of the Year after scoring 39 goals and handing out 11 assists en route to leading his team to a national championship. The forward was selected by the club with the No. 31 overall pick in this year’s MLS SuperDraft.

“We were surprised to have the opportunity to draft Dzenan in the second round and he’s continued to show his potential as a player since he’s been in camp,” technical director Chris Albright said. “He has a goalscorer's instincts and he will continue to improve while adding depth up front.”

Catic, 22, played two years at Davenport, located in Caledonia Township, Mich. He gained notoriety for his outstanding 2014 season, but he also had 24 goals and had three assists in his first season at Davenport for an eye-popping 63 goals in two seasons. He was born in Jablanica, Bosnia and moved to Michigan with his family when he was 8 years old.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia Union and I look forward to contributing any way necessary,” Catic said. “It’s a dream come true to play professionally and I will continue to work with my teammates to become a better player day-in and day-out.”

The Union also loaned defender Austin Berry to FC Anyang, of the South Korean second division, for the 2015 season Monday.

“We feel that this is the perfect level for Austin to continue his development,” Albright said. “We wish him the best and look forward to him representing the club well.”

Berry, 26, originally joined the club prior to the 2014 season. He started six games last year and had one assist. In 2012, Berry was the MLS Rookie of the Year after starting 28 games for Chicago Fire.