Union loan D Brandan Craig to El Paso of USL

Field Level Media|published: Thu 15th February, 16:01 2024

Jul 8, 2022; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Brandan Craig (34) looks on against D.C. United at Subaru Park. credits: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Union loaned defender Brandan Craig on Thursday to El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship through 2024.

Craig, 19, has played in one MLS game for Philadelphia, a 7-0 win over D.C. United in July 2022. He was on loan in the second half of the 2023 season to Austin FC of the MLS but did not appear in a game.

"I'm excited to join El Paso Locomotive FC for the upcoming season and I can't wait to play and win games in front of the fans," Craig said in a press release. "I cannot wait to get started."

A Philadelphia native, Craig came up through the Philadelphia Union Academy and made his professional debut at 16 with Union II. He started 35 of 38 appearances in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro leagues, collecting three goals and four assists.

Craig was selected for the U.S. Men's Olympic Soccer Team roster in October 2023 for its training camp in Phoenix. He has played in 17 matches for the United States' U-20 and U-23 teams.

"Brandan has a lot of experience with the U.S. U20 and U23 National Teams and it's a pleasure to bring him from a top club like the Philadelphia Union," Locomotive coach and technical director Brian Clarhaut said. "He is a promising, ball-playing center back who has real talent to orchestrate attacks from deep, and his tremendous passing range will allow us to quickly isolate certain players higher up the field. We look forward to welcoming Brandan to El Paso to aid him in his professional development and to help us become successful."

—Field Level Media