Philadelphia Union's Jack McGlynn and Nathan Harriel are heading to Paris, but not for a vacation — they're joining the U.S. Men's Olympic Soccer Team for the 2024 Games. It's a significant nod to the players' talents and the Union's development program, as the duo represents the first from the club to ever get tapped for Olympic glory. NBC Philadelphia reported the pair's achievement, capturing Harriel's sentiments on the selection as a "dream come true" and a "huge honor."
A dream come true.@nateharriel and @JackMcGlynn7 have been selected for the @USYNT 2024 Olympic roster 🇺🇸#DOOP | #OlyMNT pic.twitter.com/YY5bu8LVHx
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 6, 2024
Their path to Paris 2024 hasn't been a casual stroll through Rittenhouse Square; both players have shone brightly for Philly this MLS season, McGlynn making 20 appearances with 17 starts, knocking in three goals and dishing out five assists, and Harriel not far behind, taking the field 20 times, 19 of them starts, adding three assists to his name, all while fortifying the Union's defense across the backline. According to Philadelphia Union, their performances have been more than just numbers, with McGlynn debuting for the national team earlier this year in an international friendly against Slovenia.
It's not just their club that's bursting with pride; as they don the U.S. colors in France, the entire city of Philadelphia will likely be buzzing with anticipation. McGlynn shared with NBC Philadelphia, "It's a huge honor. The Olympics are the biggest competition in sports," indeed, the Olympics represent a unique stage where sports transcend the field, becoming a showcase of national pride and spirit.
