Alvas Powell is set to become a member of the Philadelphia Union.
A Jamaican international, sources tell ‘MLS Multiplex’ that Powell is finalizing a deal that will see him join the Philadelphia Union for the remainder of this season. The looming addition of Powell is much needed depth along the backline as he can play either outside back position or, in a pinch, help out on the wing in the midfield.
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Despite being just 26-years old, Powell brings a young Union side considerable experience at both the MLS level but also internationally. In eight seasons in MLS where he played for three different teams (six seasons with the Portland Timbers and a season with FC Cincinnati in 2019 before playing for Inter Miami last year), he has a total of 138 appearances with 124 starts and 11,102 minutes played.
He also boasts considerable experience with the Jamaican national team with 49 caps and two goals across all international matches.
That is experience that will be beneficial for the Philadelphia Union with upcoming matches as they participate in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. The Union are the only remaining MLS team with the other three sides coming from Liga MX.
Alvas Powell signing with the Philadelphia Union is a big part to the team’s balance and their need at outside back. He was last with Al-Hilal in Sudan’s first division.
News of Powell being a target of the Philadelphia Union was first broken two weeks ago by ‘MLS Multiplex.’ Just a couple of hours later, the always enjoyable (and reliable) ‘Brotherly Game’ blog built on this report and broke the news that Powell was training with the Philadelphia Union first team.
Despite fixture congestion caused by their participation in the CONCACAF Champions League, their first time in the tournament, the Philadelphia Union are second place in the Eastern Conference on 14 points (4-2-2). Last year, the Union won the Supporters Shield, their first hardware in team history.
Currently, they stand fifth in the overall league table.
Powell is a good individual defender who is adept at winning second balls, is patient defensively and moves forward into the attack. These attributes make him an ideal outside back in head coach Jim Curtin’s pressing system.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex’ on Twitter @KristianRDyer