Zach Pfeffer: 16 and a soccer professional for Philly

Zach Pfeffer only recently got his driver’s license.

He spends the mornings attending classes at Upper Dublin High School in Dresher, about 40 minutes from PPL Park. He spends the evenings doing his homework for school.

He also studies for his other duty — playing professional soccer for the Philadelphia Union.

The 16-year-old Pfeffer, the club’s first “Home Grown” player, earned his first career start in last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew. Pfeffer nearly scored in the 42nd minute.

Starting and playing 61 minutes with a standing room-only crowd of 19,906 looking on was simply incredible.

“I felt great,” Pfeffer said. “It was an enjoyable game, and my teammates helped me out a lot.”

Pfeffer obviously impressed the technical staff with his recent play and was rewarded with playing time in a huge league match.

“I think he was nervous as soon as he saw his name on the board,” coach Peter Nowak said. “He sensed he might start a game. During practice, he was very good. He was playing with the first team. I think everyone welcomed him in very well, and the 60 minutes he played was good stuff.”