Gaddis inks new Union contract

Chester, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Philadelphia Union announced on Wednesday that the club has signed defender Ray Gaddis to a multi-year contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed per league and club policy.

Gaddis was drafted with the 35th overall pick by the Union in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and has gone on to become a top defender and regular contributor for the club.

"First of all, when you talk about Ray, I get a smile on my face because this is one of the things I'm most happy about in my short tenure as the coach to get him rewarded for all his hard work," said interim team manager Jim Curtin. "Off the field, this is a tribute to his parents. They've raised a kid who has as good of character as I've ever seen in a human being. In terms of accepting challenges and taking on new roles - playing left back without complaining, working after practice every day on his weak foot and finding ways to get better - he does everything you ask and more."

The 24-year-old Gaddis has started all 27 of Philadelphia's games in league play this season after starting 31 of 34 games for the club last term.

Gaddis made his MLS debut on April 14, 2012 against Columbus and managed to feature in 18 matches for the Union in his rookie season.

"I think God played a big part in this," Gaddis said. "Being in the right place at the right time and just being patient paid off. The team really helped me mold as a player. Like I've said, you can always get better and I think that's been instilled in me since I was a kid.

"It's a blessing and I think [the coaches] are familiar with what I can do now in my third year. It speaks dividends about the organization and taking care of its players. But right now my focus is to win against Red Bulls and then win the Open Cup - get this first trophy for the Philadelphia Union and then make the playoffs."