The Union, despite struggles this season, are helping out the US national team in a big way.
The city of Philadelphia will remember 2026 fondly. Between the 250th anniversary of the United States, hosting World Cup games & the MLB All-Star Game, and the 76ers signing a certain LeBron James, there’s been quite a lot to celebrate. However, for the Philadelphia Union, there’s been a little bit less to celebrate. That’s beginning to change.
Last season, the Union won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, finishing as the team with the best regular-season record. In the offseason, though, Philadelphia blew it all up. Tai Baribo, the team’s top goalscorer, was sent to DC United, while veteran defender Jakob Glesnes joined the LA Galaxy. Left-back Kai Wagner made his long-awaited move overseas, joining Birmingham City, as did striker Mikael Uhre, who returned to Denmark with FC Midtjylland.
The result was a disaster, at least initially. Philadelphia went from the best to the worst, winning one of their first 15 MLS games. Coach Bradley Carnell was fired right before the World Cup after a 6-4 loss to Inter Miami. The result left the club rock bottom of the league. Many of the club’s recent signings, like Ezekiel Alladoh and Philippe Ndinga, have failed to pan out, at least initially. Making the playoffs at this rate appears to be a near-impossible task.
Hope is not yet lost. The Union, now led by Pennsylvania native and ex-draft pick Ryan Richter, dominated their first game back after the World Cup, beating the New York Red Bulls 3-1. The solution, as has so often been the case for the Union, has been to trust the youth academy. No one will benefit from that more than the US national team.
In total, five academy players featured in Philadelphia’s win over New York. In defense, Nathan Harriel started at center-back. At 25, Harriel, a three-time US international, seems to be out of the national team discussion for the time being, but he’s a more than capable and versatile option in defense. Naturally a right-back, Harriel filled in for Olwethu Makhanya, who was out of the squad amidst interest from Europe.
Frankie Westfield started at right-back alongside Harriel. The 20-year-old was one of the breakout stars last season and has continued to impress, providing a crossing threat on both flanks. With Wagner back after a surprise return in July, there’s less pressure on Westfield. He came through against New York, creating three chances and assisting the eventual winner.
Westfield has already established himself as a key player in Philadelphia, and it feels like only a matter of time before he appears on the national team’s radar. Full-back is not necessarily the biggest need for the US, with the likes of Jedi Robinson, Sergiño Dest, and Alex Freeman starring overseas. Still, should Westfield continue to develop and become a top player, he will be a more-than-welcome addition.
Then there’s Neil Pierre. The 6’5″ center-back made his first appearance of the season against New York, having spent the first half of the season on loan with Lyngby in Denmark’s second tier. The 18-year-old immediately made an impact, scoring to make it 3-1 and put the game out of reach. Pierre nearly added another later on but was denied by the crossbar.
Pierre’s emergence comes at the perfect time, both for Philadelphia and for the US. The Union, already left shorthanded by the Glesnes sale, appear destined to lose Makhanya as well. Harriel is a solid option in defense, as is Japhet Sery Larsen, but it’s a step down from the partnership that Makhanya and Glesnes formed last season. New signing Geiner Martínez hasn’t quite hit the ground running, either.
The US, too, has a big center-back problem. Tim Ream has long been a rock at the back, but, at 38, is no longer at the same level as he once was. His performance is part of — but far from the lone reason — the US crumbled and exited the World Cup in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. The Americans desperately need up-and-coming defenders, and at the moment, Pierre, dominant in the air and comfortable in possession, is one of the top prospects.
The final two prospects that featured against New York are actually brothers: Quinn and Cavan Sullivan. At just 16, Cavan is arguably the most hyped prospect in the US since Freddy Adu. This season, Cavan truly has shone, although looking at his modest stats, with just one goal and one assist in MLS, that might not be immediately apparent.
He’s usually one of the most threatening players on the field, and he certainly was in Philadelphia’s 3-1 win. Cavan recorded six successful dribbles and forced two saves from Ethan Horvath as New York had no answer for the midfielder. He’s set to join Manchester City when he turns 18, but should already be on the radar for the US. In December, I predicted that Cavan would get a call-up before the end of 2026. That certainly wouldn’t be undeserved.
Finally, there’s Quinn Sullivan. Quinn played just 17 minutes, but there was loud applause when the 22-year-old entered the pitch. Last season, he was essential to the Union, scoring three goals and recording eight assists in all competitions before suffering a devastating ACL injury in September. Quinn has been sidelined for ten months now, missing the World Cup and the start of the season in Philadelphia.
It’s somewhat unlikely that Quinn will make an immediate impact on his return. Long-term injuries really disrupt a young player’s development, as we’ve recently seen from Bayern’s Jamal Musiala. Nonetheless, Quinn’s return is a welcome one. If he can return to his previous level (if given time), he will be a valuable asset for the Union as they chase the playoffs, and potentially for the US.
Those five are not the only reasons for Philadelphia and American fans to be excited. Andrew Rick, 20, has shown real promise when he’s played in goal, a position where the US desperately needs some options. Striker Malik Jakupović has featured off the bench four times this season, despite being only 17.
The Union are not the Sixers. No LeBron James is coming in to save them. The Union have repeatedly shown a lack of willingness to spend big transfer fees and bring in stars.
At the same time, though, every disadvantage is an advantage. There may be a lack of stars joining the Union, but that allows academy players a chance to get chances and shine. This has already paid off, not only in Philadelphia, but for the US. This current crop of players getting minutes will help both now and in the future in a big way.
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Image via philadelphiaunion.com.
