BSB Exclusive: Andrew Jacobson speaks on being selected in Philadelphia Union expansion draft

On Wednesday, the newest team in MLS, the Philadelphia Union selected its first 10 players to be on its inaugural squad come training camp. Two players with connections to the Bay Area were selected, the first being San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas and as well as former California Golden Bear, Andrew Jacobson. The former D.C. United midfielder spoke to BerkeleySportsBlog.com of his excitement to join the Union.

"It feels good to be a member of the Union. I'm really excited," said Jacobson. "I'm really happy to be a part of this. I know that we have a great coach who wants to play a nice game, its a great opportunity."

The Palo Alto native signed with D.C. United in February and made 28 appearances and 17 starts for the four time MLS Cup Champions. Previously, Jacobson played for FC Lorient in France's Ligue 1 where injuries ended the ex Golden Bear's stay abroad. It was in France that Jacobson learned about one of his newest teammates, former Seattle Sounder Sebastian Le Toux.

"Le Toux was on the youth team at Lorient and a friend to many of the guys that I played with there," said Jacobson. I look forward to getting to know him and playing with him as well as all the other guys."

Although many believed that the Union would go after some of the higher profile players available in expansion draft, like Columbus defender Frankie Hejduk or Philadelphia native Bobby Convey, Head Coach Peter Nowak decided to bring in a younger core of players.

Jacobson assured Philadelphia that new people were coming. "Nowak likes youth players but there's more signings to come," said the former Cal midfielder. This was proven true only a few hours later, when the Union traded allocation cash to Real Salt Lake for back up goalkeeper Chris Seitz.

Time will tell if Nowak's youth movement will be successful, but Philadelphia fans should be excited about a young core of players who are looking to prove themselves. "I'm really excited for the season to start," said Jacobson. Hopefully I can get a goal when I come back home to the Bay Area."