Heading home | Friday, January 30 - Saturday, January 31st, 2026
The team bid Marbella Football Center a fond farewell on Friday morning, opening with pre-training birthday speeches on the pitch from newly 20-year-old keeper Andrew Rick and 23-year-old striker Stas Korzeniowski. A re-gen session of recovery runs and lifting with sunny and 60 weather the setting proved to be the perfect send-off for the Union as they readied for their journey back to Philly.
After training and lunch, the team packed their bags, loaded onto buses, and departed for Madrid, where they stayed overnight in anticipation of a Saturday afternoon flight to PHL.
The team is safely stateside and with a few off days on the calendar before getting back to action midweek. Next up, they'll head to Clearwater for their official preseason camp scheduled in Florida -- stay tuned for updates from the sunshine state!
Matchday 3 vs FK Budućnost Podgorica | Thursday, January 29, 2026
Philadelphia Union played their third and final matchday abroad on Thursday afternoon, defeating Montenegrin side FK Budućnost Podgorica at Marbella Football Center to close their schedule of friendlies in Spain.
Through 120 minutes of on and off rain, the Boys in Blue hit the back of the net four times.
Olwethu Makhanya opened scoring off a Milan Iloski corner, using his hops to find a header and make it 1-0.
Bruno Damiani scored the next one by way of a sequence from Iloski to Frankie Westfield, who nutmegged his opponent to find the Uruguayan open for a strike.
Iloski found one of his own to make it three, and in the second shift of players Carnell deployed in the team's last match in Spain, Ben Bender capitalized on a pass across the box from Ale Bedoya to seal the 4-0 result.
"It's testament to the staff and the medical guys to get the players fit and healthy and ready to go again after grueling training weeks," Carnell said.
"We've been struck by the weather. There's been a little bit some sickness around the team, so to come turn around and have an output like that today, I'm really proud of them. But we know this is the small steps."
With the win, the players earned their final evening in Marbella off, ending their two week stay on a high note.
Matchday -1 double day | Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The dreary weather persisted on Wednesday morning, but that didn't stop from Carnell from leading another high-energy session to start the day. In fact, the team leader said he prefers practices in rainy conditions, citing the positive qualities of the training environment it creates.
"The field is slick and it's quick, really just like how we like to play. The tackles are flying in. The pace of the ball is really up to speed, and all of a sudden the quality is just better, right?" Carnell explained.
"The intensity is up. The passion is there. Then, they start to want to do sliding tackles and stuff like that -- whether that's good or bad, we can debate. Just the guys seem to enjoy it a little bit more."
The 28th marked the team's final full day in Marbella without a match, and the coaching staff took full advantage of the time. After lunch, the team reconvened for a second session, returning to the pitch for an afternoon of set pieces, crossing drills, and shooting.
Tomorrow, the team will play their third and final match of the trip, facing Montenegrin side FK Budućnost Podgorica for 135 minutes.
This time around, Carnell says the game plan is to split his players' time in shifts, sending one group out for 75-minutes and the other for 60, with the possibility of flipping those sides come their February 7th faceoff against Tampa Bay Rowdies during their official preseason camp in Clearwater, Florida.
Rainy training session | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Marbella's forecast had featured occasional light showers since the team's arrival last Sunday night, but the worst of it came Tuesday morning during the team's 10am training. The boys braved the downpour, working hard through a competitive nearly two-hour session on the pitch featuring 1v1, 2v2, and 5v5 drills.
Meanwhile in the gym at Marbella Football Complex, 21-year-old midfielder Quinn Sullivan continued his daily rehab with Head of Health and Innovation Brad Papson. On September 27th, the eldest Sullivan suffered an ACL tear in the team's 6-0 rout of D.C. United on the road, and he's since been working dilligently with Papson toward a full recovery.
"He's a special character in and around the group, and he's a real positive force of energy, and we thrive on that," Carnell said.
Just to see him growing stronger, I see the teardrop muscle getting bigger every single day. I see the quads building and getting more definition. So, it's nice to be part of that with him in the process, and to make him feel like he is part of us, of which he is."
So far in Spain, Quinn's been a part of every team meal, meeting, and group activity, only peeling off from the whole for exercises in the gym while his team practices on the pitch.
Back at it | Monday, January 26, 2025
Morning
Week 2 in Spain is underway! The first seven days on the coast were busy ones, featuring two meaningful friendlies against European competition, five training sessions, and countless opportunities for players to create connections on and off the pitch.
Following a day and a half off, which players used to unwind, venture out into Old Town Marbella or Puerto Banus, and even neighboring areas like Gibraltar or Estepona, the the team was back in action on Monday for a two-hour training at Marbella Football Center.
Evening
The team finished the day with a few hours of film in the meeting room, a meal, and time in the sauna or cold tub.
Off day! | Saturday, January 24, 2025 - Sunday, January 25, 2025
In the morning following the team’s 135-minute outing, recovery was the priority – three mile re-gen runs were the centerpiece of their session, followed by a lift on the grass.
The post-training lunch and the conclusion of a league-mandated meeting marked the start of a weekend off. The team had time to themselves from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, when training resumed at Marbella Football Center.
"Here in Marbella, there's great sightseeing spots, great stores, great coffee shops and stuff like that. Getting away from the pitch and getting to know the guys off the field as well is, I think, its just as important as on the pitch."
Friendly Matchday vsFC Nordsjælland | January 23, 2026
Philadelphia Union played their second friendly of camp on Friday, closing the week with three 45 minute periods against FC Nordsjælland.
While the Danish side finished ahead 2-1, the match was a valuable one, as 25 of the Philly's 28 traveling players saw meaningful minutes on the pitch against competitive European competition.
"To get this deep already in terms of minutes, progression is really vital for us," Carnell said after the final whistle.
"To get everybody in and out, as we did, that's first and foremost, and then to compete against a really quality opponent was excellent learning for us."
First group
Jovan Lukic
Japhet Sery Larsen
Cavan Sullivan
Bruno Damiani
Alejandro Bedoya
Danley Jean Jacques
Ezekiel Alladoh
Trialist
Frankie Westfield
Finn Sundstrom
Second Group (entered in 67th minute)
Nate Harriel
Jeremy Rafanello,
Milan loski
Stas Korzeniowski
Indiana Vassilev (CJ Olney Jr 115')
Olivier Mbaizo
Jesus Bueno
Olwethu Makhanya
Sal Olivas (Eddy Davis III 115')
Ben Bender
Keepers
Andre Blake, Andrew Rick, and George Marks each played 45 minutes
Philly tallied about 35 shots over the 135 minute match, but the lone Union goal of the afternoon came from Olwethu Makhanya late when he scored a header off a corner from Milan Iloski in the 129th minute.
2026 will be the 21-year-old South African centerback's second year contributing on the first team stage, and after an outstandning debut season that earned him MLS 22 under 22 honors, he says he's eager to take on an even bigger role.
"Coach Bradley said, from the start, it's a good opportunity for everyone to grow, you know. So for me, I was here last season, and it's my job now to help the new guys understand, you know what we're trying to do," Makhanya said.
"It's been a good responsibility, and I feel good because the guys are slowly getting into it.
When asked about leadership within the team's defense after Friday's match, Carnell said this:
"I'm looking for more voices out the back line. I'm looking for more voices in the leadership team. I'm looking for a little bit of guys to step up into new roles and and this is what the journey is all about. Makanya is part of that group. Nate's part of that group. So we have a couple of guys who who are stepping up now in a really good way."
Training Day 4: Matchday -1 vs Nordsjælland | January 22, 2026
Morning
Just like that, it's matchday -1 once again, and the team held their third training session of the trip, gearing up for an 135 minute head-to-head against Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland on Friday afternoon.
"It's poetic, a little bit," Milan Iloski said, previewing the match.
FC Nordsjelland is a new opponent for the Union, but it's a team Iloski knows quite well. This time last year he was based in Denmark playing for Nordsjælland.
"We were actually in Marbella last year, and I know the Union was too. So, it's kind of a weird coincidence," Iloski said.
"Life is so crazy. The last year has been a rollercoaster, but it's been a fun rollercoaster. It's been a good one, and it's crazy to look back at the year and how many things have happened."
In the past year, Iloski made an early impression in MLS on loan from Nordsjælland at San Diego FC, signed a long-term contract with the Union in August, then made a major impact in the team's final push toward their Supporters' Shield clinch.
"I'm super happy to be at the Union now, and it'll be really fun to reconnect with a lot of those guys."
Afternoon
In the afternoon, the team had some time off after a strenuos session on the pitch.
A number of players lined up to get a mid-week haircut courtesy of Jesus Bueno, who organized for a barber to come to the hotel. Others participated in a bible study with team chaplain Andy Young.
Quinn Sullivan, Cavan Sullivan, and Frankie Westfield took a quick drive to Puerto Banus with the content team for photos, interviews, and time exploring the coastal shopping hub.
Training Day 3: Recovery, Go-karting, and Coach's birthday! | January 21, 2026
Morning
The team held their second training of the trip on Wednesday morning, prioritizing recovery in the day following their first friendly of the year.
A three-station circuit featuring a player favorite, soccer tennis, highlighted the session, before the team dodged the rain and retreated to the gym for an upper body lift.
Afternoon
Rain continued to roll in after lunch, but that didn't stop Carnell from taking the group on a bonding excursion.
Since his arrival in Philadelphia, Carnell has emphasized a 'people first' mindset and the importance of creating an environment that fosters camaraderie, and it's clear he's remained steadfast to that commitment. Just like last year, he had the team load on to the bus for a trip to Kart&Fun Estepona for go-kart races between the players and coaches. Unsurprisingly, Alejandro Bedoya and Carnell topped the final leaderboard.
Evening
At dinner, another birthday celebration unfolded -- this time for Carnell. For the second night in a row, Harriel and Vassilev brought out the cake and candles, delivering it to their head coach.
Before the room broke out in song again, the team's leader stood up and said this:
"My only wish for this year guys, is for you to play soccer like you drive -- because you're wild. So be wild, and let's have a good year."
Friendly matchday vs Sigma Olomouc | January 20th, 2026
Less than 48 hours after arriving to Marbella, Philadelphia Union played their first friendly of the trip, facing Czech first league side Sigma Olomouc on Tuesday afternoon.
Under picture-perfect sunny skies, 23 players saw meaningful minutes on the pitch, as Head Coach Bradley Carnell opted to send out two unique XIs and one sub during the 90-minute outing.
First-half XI
Andrew Rick
Ben Bender
Olwethu Makhanya
Japhet Sery Larsen
Trialist
Danley Jean Jacques
Jesus Bueno
Alejandro Bedoya
Milan Iloski
Ezekiel Alladoh
Stas Korzeniowski
Second-half XI
Bruno Damiani
Eddy Davis III
Nathan Harriel
Jovan Lukic
George Marks
Olivier Mbaizo
Quinn Sullivan
Jeremy Rafanello
Finn Sundstrom
Indiana Vassilev
Frankie Westfield
While the match ended in a draw, the group in full was glad to be back on the pitch playing at match speed, connecting with teammates old and new against an unfamiliar opponent in midseason form. 22-year-old Stas Korzeniowski scored the lone Union goal of the day, hitting the back of the net with a strong finish off a pass from longtime Union captain Alejandro Bedoya.
The happiest face at the field however, was undoubtedly the young fan who brought a homemade poster decorated with an illustration of the Union's crest, and a special message welcoming the team (Cavan Sullivan in particular) to Marbella.
After the final whistle and a quick huddle with his teammates, the 16-year-old budding star walked over to greet him, take a photo, and gift his jersey.
Evening
Back at the hotel, the wholesome theme carried on. Near the end of the team's post-match meal, Harriel stood up and silenced the room, chiming a knife to his espresso cup with Indiana Vassilev at his side. Once they captured the attention of their teammates, coaches, and staff, the pair promptlty began a happy birthday song, then delivered newly 24-year-old Serbian midfielder Jovan Lukic a chocolate cake to celebrate his special day.
After blowing out his candles, Lukic delivered a heartfelt speech to his audience -- his birthday marks one year exactly since he found out he'd be joining the Philadelphia Union. Since then, he's moved across the world to Philadelphia, earned a spot as a consistent starter, and helped his team lift a trophy at Subaru Park in his first Major League Soccer season.
"Last year, this day, I realized that I'm gonna come here in this club and it was the best gift possible," Lukic said.
"This one year has been amazing. It's been a pleasure to be with some of you guys as well, everybody here, not just the players and the teammates. Probably, the best year of my life."
Training Day 1 | January 19th, 2026
Morning
The team arrived to their home for the next two weeks at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, earning the night off after the lengthy journey from the states, but by Monday morning at 10 a.m. the crew was back to work, convening on the pitch at Marbella Football Center.
The two hour training started with stretching led by Director of Performance Ryan Cotter and warm-ups with performance coach Vince Musso, then unfolded into lively drills across two different fields. The whole team was in on the action, including new faces like Japhet Sery Larsen, Finn Sundstrom, and Ezekiel Alladoh -- the team's most recent signings.
“It's been a long holiday, so I’m buzzing being on the pitch again. It's nice being here, a bit of sun and grass, so it's been really, really good so far,” Sery Larsen said.
“Obviously, I had done a bit of research before I came, but the team has shocked me positively. The way we're training, the way the staff are working around the team and in the training has been amazing. So, I'm really positive being here, and I'm enjoying my time so far.”
The 25-year-old centerback is quickly integrating into the group, making early connections with the elder Homegrown contingent in particular. When asked who he's leaned on the most since his arrival, he named both Jeremy Rafanello and Nathan Harriel in his already long list.
In addition to those on the first team roster, Union II forward Malik Jakupovic and Philadelphia Union Academy product turned University of Delaware goalkeeper JoJo Elliott traveled and trained as well.
Evening
After a 1 p.m. lunch, players connected with coaches for individual development meetings, rested, or opted for time decompressing in the hotel’s game room and lobby café. Team dinner took place at 6:30 p.m., and right after, the team filed into the video room for their first team meeting of the trip.
Next, the Union will take on Czech first league's Sigma Olomouc in their first match action of 2026. Tuesday's opponent currently sits mid-table in their league, in 8th place out of 16 teams. The top team is Slavia Prague, which was the first side Bradley Carnell faced as Philly's Head Coach one year ago on January 19th, 2025 to open last season's training camp trip in Spain.
And so it begins! | January 17th, 2026
The Boys in Blue are back together at last! Saturday, January 10th marked Major League Soccer’s official report day, and after a week of physicals, tune-up training sessions, and introductions for offseason additions at the club’s facilities in Chester, the team departed for training camp in Marbella, Spain.
This year’s trip to the Andalusian coast is the team's second annual. On Saturday, January 17th, the traveling crew caught a six-hour flight from Philadelphia International to Madrid, then a high-speed train from the country's capital toward Málaga.
Just two months after their 2025 Supporters’ Shield winning-campaign came to a close, the team unloaded their luggage in Marbella, embarking on the start of a new season with the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the Mediterranean coast the backdrop.
Over the two-week stretch ahead, second-year Head Coach and 2025 MLS Coach of the Year Bradley Carnell, staff, and players alike will prep for what’s to come in 2026, participating in competitive training sessions, lifts, team meetings, bonding acitivities, and three friendlies against top European competition.
Match Schedule
January 20th, 9am ET - Sigma Olomous
January 23rd, 8am ET - FC Nordsjaellan
January 29, 8am ET - FK Buducnost
