Philadelphia Union’s renowned Pathway to the Pros is a pillar of the club’s success, and this past week, the talent it has produced was on full display as multiple Homegrowns stepped up on the first team stage.
Frankie Westfield scores first Union goal
Northeast Philadelphia born-and-raised defender Frankie Westfield has been part of the Philadelphia Union since he was just nine years old, and on Wednesday he added another achievement to his rapidly-growing resume, scoring his first-ever Major League Soccer goal.
The 19-year-old outside back has spent more than half of his life in and around the club, but this year has been his most significant yet -- in the first half of 2025 alone, he signed his first professional contract, made his debut and first start, recorded multiple assists, and most recently scored an unforgettable banger to give his team a 2-1 lead against a formidable Columbus Crew side that sits atop the East.
While the match ended in a draw, it’s a night that Westfield won’t soon forget.
“Unlucky, that wasn't a winner, but I'm very happy. Happy with how it went in. It was a great hit, great banger, and it felt really good when it went in,” Westfield said.
“I picture in my head that I'm gonna score going into every game, and then the ball popped out to me, and I was just like, no other choice, just shoot it, and I shot it. I do shoot a lot in training, but I told our goalie coach, Phil Wheddon, in warmups, I didn't score one goal, and then I ended up scoring in the game.”
In just 11 MLS appearances with the first team, Westfield is already known for his exburant celebrations, especially with the fans, and it’s a reputation that stems from his time with Union II, with whom he scored his first ever pro goal and ran to the same Subaru Park corner on August 4th, 2023.
Keeper Andrew Rick steps up big
In that same match, 19-year-old keeper Andrew Rick made league history, becoming the youngest MLS player to record an assist.
In the 45th minute, Rick saw an opportunity for his team to try and claim the lead, encouraging them to push forward before driving a pass upfield to Quinn Sullivan, who spotted Tai Baribo for a quick finish.
The assist came just three days after he stepped up to secure a shootout victory for his team in their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup opener against Indy Eleven, making a massive save to send his team to the Round of 16 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
Quality contributions from Quinn Sullivan
With the assist to Baribo, Sullivan, who turned 21 years old this year, became the youngest player in Union history to reach 20 career MLS assists. He’s also the ninth player in club history to hit that milestone. His assist on Saturday was his seventh this season, making him tied for the most in the league.
Cavan Sullivan makes his first start
Quinn isn’t the only Sullivan to make his mark this week. On Wednesday, in the Philadelphia Union’s first match of their 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign, 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan appeared in Head Coach Bradley Carnell’s opening group, making his first start for the first team.
The milestone almost exactly one year after he made club history as the the youngest player ever to be added to the Philadelphia Union’s first team roster, and the fifth youngest player to sign a first-team contract in MLS history.
His starting debut wasn’t an average shift, either. The match went to extra time, and the budding star was one of five players, including fellow Homegrowns Andrew Rick and Jeremy Rafanello, to stay on the pitch for all 120 minutes.
David Vazquez debut
David Vazquez also made his first start during the team’s Open Cup, playing 57 minutes. The match marked the 19-year-old midfielder’s first team debut.
Harriel hits the back of the net
On Wednesday night against LA Galaxy, Nate Harriel opened his 2025 account, spurring an electric three-goal comeback that secured all three points for the Union.
Harriel has been asked to step up all across the field this year, playing as an outsideback, a centerback, and even a #10. Against the defending MLS Cup Champions, his role was the goal scorer, redirecting a Jakob Glesnes header with his foot to hit the back of the net.
His performance earned him MLS Team of the Matchday Honors alongside teammate Tai Baribo, who scored the squad's second two of the night.
