The University of Akron Athletics
Najem Set to Begin MLS Career with Philadelphia Union
February 08 | Men's Soccer
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The professional career of former University of Akron men's soccer All-American Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.) is set to begin in Major League Soccer (MLS) as the Philadelphia Union signed him to a contract after acquiring his right of first refusal from New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
"It has been a dream of mine to become a professional soccer player for as long as I can remember," Najem commented. "I am extremely grateful to the Philadelphia Union for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to begin my career. I want to thank the University of Akron and all the people there that have helped me become the player and person I am today. Akron gave me the best four years of my life and I'm eternally grateful for that."
"Adam has had a tremendous career at Akron and has shown his skill and ability every year as one of the top collegiate players in the country," Akron head coach Jared Embick said. "He has the talent to contribute right away at the next level and I am excited to see him have that chance with the Philadelphia Union."
A two-time All-American and twice named a first-team Academic All-America recipient, Najem started all 22 games for Akron this past season en route to ranking second on the squad in goals (5), assists (5) and shots (47) and third in shots on goal (17).
A four-time first-team All-Mid-American Conference honoree and 2016 MAC Player of the Year, Najem capped his brilliant Akron career this past season ranking first, first, fourth, sixth, 10th and 18th, respectively, among active career players in NCAA Division I for the 2016 campaign in games played (89), assists (29), points (95), goals (33), assists per game (0.33) and points per contest (1.07). Across all divisions, he rated seventh in games played and 16th in assists.
The University of Akron men's soccer program, which owns the highest winning percentage in the nation since 2007, has developed into a perennial contender for the NCAA title since capturing the school's first team national championship in any sport in 2010. While incorporating a style of play that is attractive and attack-oriented, yet effective on both sides of the ball, the Zips reached the NCAA final in 2009 and 2010 while advancing to the College Cup in 2015.
Additionally, developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as now 31 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (8).
This year's class of players joining the professional ranks includes Najem, Jonathan Lewis (drafted No. 3 overall by New York City FC) and Danilo Radjen (drafted No. 36 by Houston Dynamo).
