Amanda Young Curtis Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications | Official Website
Amanda Young Curtis Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications | Official Website
Philadelphia Union has signed forward Sal Olivas to a four-year contract, extending until 2028 with an option for 2029. The announcement was made on February 20, 2025. Olivas, who previously played for Union II and Union Academy, is recognized as a promising young talent.
"Sal es un delantero joven y ambicioso que hizo avances significativos en su desarrollo con Union II la temporada pasada," stated Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director of Philadelphia Union. "Es un jugador de presión alta que conduce el balón hacia adelante y puede crear ocasiones en ataque. Su fichaje por el primer equipo le dará la oportunidad de seguir desarrollándose y aprendiendo de nuestro cuerpo técnico y adquirir la experiencia necesaria jugando junto a nuestros jugadores veteranos."
Olivas, aged 18, contributed four goals and one assist in 1,265 minutes over 20 regular-season matches with Union II during the 2024 season. He was tied for fourth in club goals and achieved his first career goal on March 24 against Revolution II. His personal best came with two goals on June 2 against Columbus II. Olivas participated in all four MLS NEXT Pro playoff games, helping the team reach its first MLS NEXT Pro Cup final.
In total, Olivas has scored four goals and provided one assist in 1,531 minutes across 25 regular-season games with Union II over two seasons. He debuted professionally on August 19, 2023, against Huntsville City FC.
Olivas became the fourth academy player to sign a professional MLS NEXT Pro contract on September 8, 2023. He played a crucial role in Philadelphia Union U17's victory at the Generations adidas Cup in Bradenton, Florida by scoring in the semifinals against FC Dallas. Following this success, he was called up to Mexico's U-17 National Team and played a friendly match against Pumas' U-18 team on August 5, 2023.
Olivas will be the seventh Mexican national to play for Philadelphia Union's First Team since its inception. Previous players include Michael Orozco and Shea Salinas (2010), Gabriel Farfán and Michael Farfán (2011-13), Christhian Hernández (2012-13), Richie Márquez (2014-18), and Marco Fabián (2019).
The transaction marks Philadelphia Union's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent by integrating academy players into their main roster.
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