A new era of Philadelphia Union II kicks off this weekend as they begin their 2025 MLS NEXT Pro campaign at New England Revolution II on Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss the action over on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Head Coach Ryan Richter leads the team after serving the previous three seasons as the First Team’s assistant coach after being named to the position on Jan. 18, 2022. The Union went 43-29-30 in 102 regular season matches during that span and went 4-1-1 in six postseason games. Richter also helped lead the team to their first ever MLS Cup Final in 2022.
While a new coaching staff takes the reigns for the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the roster will be comprised of many standout performers that have graduated to the first team because of that success a season ago. Over the winter Union II vice captain Frankie Westfield, center back Neil Pierre and forwards Sal Olivas and Eddy Davis III signed homegrown deals but could still see regular minutes as they continue their growth in the organization which is a huge goal for the second team under Richter.
“What I'm most excited for is to see the growth in the players,” Richter said to PhiladelphiaUnion.com ahead of the season opener. “I think that's what our project is and I can't wait to see the way that they develop through the season. Our goal as a team is very simple. Every time you step on the field, you're trying to win the game, and they have to have that in their mind that they're contributing to something bigger than just their individual development. I believe that ultimately, that's what helps them become a first team player, someone who contributes to a team, helps the team win, makes guys around them better. It doesn’t matter if it is a 5v2, soccer tennis, a passing exercise or MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final, we are on the field to win the game.”
The build up to Sunday’s 2025 opener has been a long time coming with Union II having trained since January 13th as a group that regularly features up-and-coming talent from the Union Academy. Those training sessions led to midfielders Kellan LeBlanc and Willyam Ferreira to their first-ever professional deals. Three other fresh faces have joined Union II’s roster as well with the signings of forward Stas Korzeniowski, the Union’s 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection, as well as midfielder Óscar Benítez.
One big thing that stood out for Union II’s fourth head coach was just how quickly the team didn’t rely on last year’s success but instead is eager to learn the club’s new philosophy that is lead from first team Head Coach Bradley Carnell.
“From the Staff to the players, they all understand that they're trying to take the next step in their career,” Richter said. “Our job as a staff is to remind them how difficult that step is going to be for them, and that they don't have the opportunity to waste a day. I think they took that message right away and realized, okay, every day means something. Every day is an opportunity to get better. They put that in their mind, and they were able to apply it every day. That really cool and was surprising to me, that they're able to jump on board right away with the same goals that we have for them as individuals. They saw clear how they have to behave in our environment, how they have to train, how they have to treat every session and every meeting.”
Sunday’s opponent in Revolution II finished 2024 with a 4-18-6 record and like Union II have seen roster graduations to the first team as well as bringing in new talent from their Academy. Defenders Keegan Hughes and Damario McIntosh inked homegrown MLS deals during the offseason while midfielder Cristiano Oliveira turned pro after the season concluded. Revs II have also brought in numerous signings from outside their organization including 2024 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Jayden Da from Columbus Crew 2, Joe Buck from Georgetown University, Gabe Dahlin from Monmouth University and Keegan Hughes who spent time on loan with Loudoun United FC.
