Philadelphia Union have announced the signing of 26-year-old striker Milan Iloski as the team leads both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The club aims to strengthen its roster for a playoff push.
Iloski described his first impressions of Philadelphia positively, saying, “I thought the view coming in this morning was beautiful. I got in last night, but initially, I like the greenery. The city seems like it has a lot of history, so for me, I love history, and the city looks amazing so far.
I’m excited to look around a bit more, but first impressions have been great, and I’m so excited to be here.”
On meeting his new teammates and staff, Iloski noted: “I haven’t met anyone other than [Ernst Tanner] yet, but I’m really excited. I met with [Head Coach Bradley Carnell] one time over zoom and I can definitely feel the culture here. The team is obviously doing great, and I’ve been able to watch a couple of games now. I can definitely see the team has a clear style, and you know, I love to win. So for me, to come in and be a part of a winning team is amazing. I just hope I can add to that, and continue to help the team as much as I can.”
Iloski recounted his career path leading up to joining Philadelphia: “I went to UCLA. I played there for a couple of years, and then I turned pro early, signing for Real Salt Lake.
From there, I decided to take, technically, a step down and play in USL, just to play as much as possible.
Then, I made a move over to play in Denmark for FC Nordsjælland. Recently, I was on loan at San Diego here in MLS, and now I’m here at the Union. It’s definitely been a crazy, crazy ride so far — it’s led me to here, and I’m very happy to be here.”
He also reflected on his notable achievement while playing with San Diego: “Honestly, I don’t really remember. I’m in the game, so I’m not really thinking about what I’m doing. But obviously afterwards, the reaction was pretty huge, and I didn’t know I was breaking a record when I was doing it. I feel like around the goal is where I thrive and I expect myself to score goals, but of course that was pretty crazy. It was definitely a surreal feeling and something I’m very proud of.” During his stint at San Diego FC on loan from Danish side FC Nordsjælland earlier this year (https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/philadelphia-union-sign-us-forward-milan-iloski), Iloski scored four goals within 12 minutes during an MLS match—setting an individual scoring record.
Regarding returning stateside for Major League Soccer competition after international experience: “It feels great. I wanted to stay in America; after things with San Diego didn’t work out; once Philly became an option—it was pretty easy decision for me… Everyone knows club is one best clubs league every year… very excited back MLS.”
Iloski outlined his approach on field: “I’m very hard worker… want help team… want win… I’ll score goals create chances teammates ultimately feel need earn place starts working hard proving players locker room staff trust me.”
When asked about expectations with Philadelphia Union this season: “The fans… American know about Philadelphia sports so excited feel fans get know lot them…
I know team first East Supporters’ Shield standings want come help want win…
We want win MLS Cup that’s goal everyone building something hope help achieve.”
He named Wayne Rooney as his favorite player growing up due largely playing style influence.
To fans he offered this message: “I’m just so excited be here I’ll do everything fight team hope they can see that every time I’m lucky enough step field course thankful them looking forward hopefully giving them lot fun memories.”
