Because of the delay in reaching a new collective bargaining agreement, Major League Soccer delayed its roster compliance deadline for the second time.
But Philadelphia Union released its preseason roster following Friday’s exhibition game. And in addition to all the names fans know – including recent signee Roger Torres and former Temple star J.T. Noone, who will likely be signed soon – there was another unfamiliar name on the list: Radanfah Abu Bakr.
Until now, there’s been no official mention of Abu Bakr, a 23-year-old defensive trialist who hails from Trinidad and Tobago and played professionally for Swansea City in Wales last season.
With him included, that makes 23 players on the preseason roster. The Union can keep 20 men for its senior roster and four more for its developmental squad.
If Abu Bakr does make the team, he’ll join a seasoned defensive unit that already includes Orozco, Califf and Shavar Thomas, an eight-year MLS veteran.
“That’s one of the theories on the field,” said Thomas, a native of Jamaica. “You like to have experience in the back.”