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Homegrown Watch: Matthew Real has strong case for first team contract

Related Topics: Matthew Real

When defender Matthew Real signed a USL contract with Bethlehem Steel FC in January, it signaled two things: one that Wake Forest was no longer an option and two that he would be available for the long haul of the season.

His play for Steel - after returning from an injury in preseason - made good on the promise he has shown for years playing in the academy system and for various U.S. youth international teams.

The 18-year-old Drexel Hill native finished the season with 18 starts at left back and played arguably his best soccer during the Steel’s stretch run that put them in the playoffs.