2026 Philadelphia Union Preview

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Union Social Media

It feels good to be back! The Philadelphia Union are 48 hours away from starting their 2026 campaign, so it's time for a Season Preview. We are approaching this Preview a bit differently than past years. For 2026, each member of the AAT Sports Network Team selected one player to highlight. However, before we dive into those player discussions, let's quickly review a busy offseason for the Boys in Blue!

Departures

Kai Wagner (Left back)

Tai Baribo (Forward)

Jakob Glesnes (Center back)

Mikael Uhre (Forward)

Neil Pierre (Center back)

Chris Donovan (Forward)

David Vazquez (Midfielder)

Markus Anderson (Forward)

Newcomers

Japhet Sery Larsen (Center back)

Geiner Martinez (Center back)

Ezekiel Alladoh (Forward)

Stas Korzeniowski (via promotion from Union II - Forward)

Philippe Ndinga (finalizing deal as of 2/13 - Left back)

Finn Sundstrom (Center back)

Agustin Anello (Forward/Midfielder)

Carnell's Crew

We know this is Bradley's second year as the Union coach, but last season's roster was very much Curtin's crew. Once the season ended, the Union front office began an extensive overhaul of the Supporters' Shield winning squad. Key pieces like Wagner, Glesnes, Uhre, and Baribo are overseas or finding their way with new MLS Clubs. Younger players like Pierre, Dono, Vazquez, and Anderson will also be fighting for minutes with new teams and hoping to make a name for themselves away from Chester, PA.

However, despite so many departures, the Union have reinforced their roster in a significant way. Three players were brought in to fight for Jakob Glesnes' spot next to Makhanya. I'd also argue they could see time at defensive mid. Stas, Alladoh, and Anello will bring size, strength, and versatility into Carnell's attack, and Ndinga seems to be the potential heir apparent to Kai Wagner at left back. At the very least, Ndinga will fight for minutes with Frankie and Nate.

The Union have never been a deep team, but this roster has competition at each level, even at goalkeeper. Furthermore, Carnell and the front office have emphasized versatility with this squad. Anello could play attacking mid or fit into a winger role if Carnell adjusts the formation, Frankie and Nate can alternate between left and right back, and there's deep competition at each spot in the midfield. Sure, the Union may not have a superstar, but they've equipped themselves well for MLS, Leagues Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup filling the schedule. Additionally, these aren't just Union II reinforcements that will fill positions when players need rest. These are young but established players that have been successful in other leagues across the world, especially in Uruguay.

Now, without further ado, let's dive into our AAT Sports Network Player Previews! These are brought to you by Ben Brecher, Dave Miller, Quentin Hall, Jose Nunez, and Mike Barrera.

Milan Iloski - Ben Brecher

2025 was a big year for Milan Iloski, arguably the biggest in his professional career thus far. He started the 2025 MLS campaign on loan with San Diego FC, where he notched an impressive ten goals and one assist in fourteen league matches. His hot streak included a remarkable four-goal output against the Vancouver Whitecaps. In the summer, San Diego and Iloski’s parent club, FC Nordsjælland, couldn't come to an agreement over a potential transfer for the American, and thus Iloski returned to Europe. However, it was always Iloski’s desire to stay in MLS, so when the Union swooped in with another one of their “low-risk, high-reward” deals, it was an easy decision for Iloski.

Iloski joined an already strong Philadelphia Union attack that included Tai Baribo, Bruno Damiani, Quinn Sullivan, and others, and immediately pushed the Union into the “contenders” tier for the 2025 Supporter’s Shield, a title which they would ultimately go on to win. Iloski offered a new dimension to the Philadelphia Union attack almost instantly. Like many other players on the roster, Iloski was flexible and could play anywhere across the front-line for the Union. However, Iloski provided a unique skillset. He excelled tremendously in transition and was never afraid to shoot from thirty yards out.

Iloski ended his first half-season with the Union racking up 4 goals and 5 assists, but in 2026 Bradley Carnell and the rest of the coaching staff will most likely demand more, as he is now seen as one of the “veterans” on the team. Further, Iloski switched his number from No. 32 to No. 10, possibly indicating that he understands his new role as the primary chance creator on the Union.

In short, I believe that Milan Iloski is poised for a big year. With Kai Wagner gone, and Quinn Sullivan out for the foreseeable future, much of the playmaking responsibilities will fall on Iloski’s shoulders. For example, Iloski will be the primary corner-kick taker for the Union this year. Ultimately, I think Iloski has the potential to hit double-digit goals and assists in 2026. If he manages to reach those numbers, he is setting the Union up for another successful season.

Andrew Rick - Dave Miller

Rick made his MLS debut during the 2024 season and clearly impressed enough to become the team's backup goalkeeper heading into the 2025 season. His contributions continued to grow in 2025, as the US under-20 international played in 15 competitive fixtures, impressing whenever he was called upon. Rick played a big role in helping the Union to a second Supporters' Shield title, keeping six clean sheets along the way.

Heading into 2026, it will be a big year for Rick to further establish himself as the heir to Andre Blake's goalkeeping throne. Blake's struggles with staying healthy have been no secret. The Jamaican number one has been the undisputed best goalkeeper in the MLS for going on a decade now, but at 35 years old, and being in-and-out of the team due to knocks that he cannot shake off, there will be a debate in the near future on whether the Union need to move forward. Having lost former backup Matt Freese to NYCFC in 2023, and him becoming the new US national team number one, the Union could have a fear of losing another goalkeeper with great potential.

It has been an interesting offseason for the Union, letting go of more established, experienced names and replacing them with younger prospects. You have to question whether the decision makers could justify continuing to pay the wages that they are for a player that could miss more than a third of the campaign. Of course, Blake could get back to his complete best in 2026, leaving the injuries in the past. However, the knocks and injuries he has had over the last couple of seasons have been recurring and lingering, which does not fill you with hope.

For Rick, there will be chances for him to play, with Philadelphia in three different competitions this season. It somewhat feels like he is going to be the Union's goalkeeper of the future, but if he is going to do that, he needs to continue to show growth and improvement. The loss of Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner means the Union will go into 2026 with an inexperienced back line, so when Rick is called upon, he will have a greater job on his hands to command his back line and his penalty area more than he has had to do in the previous couple of seasons. Another impressive season, and he should be a lock to be the Union's future number one. Hopefully, for as long as Blake.

Olwethu Makhanya - Quentin Hall

With Jakob Glesnes moving on, it feels like a quiet vote of confidence in Olwethu Makhanya heading into this season. Still young and only going into his second year in MLS, he already plays with a maturity that stands out. Last season was his first in the league and he looked completely at home from the start. For someone so physically dominant, what separates him is how comfortable he is carrying the ball out of pressure.

His numbers back that up. All stats are per 90. He averages 0.63 successful dribbles at an 85% success rate, which is rare for a center back. You never feel uneasy when he’s on the ball, and defensively you would bank on him to win his duel with a 65.3% overall success rate and 70.4% in the air. His 2.20 tackles, 1.15 interceptions, and 6.07 recoveries show how active he is without being reckless. Despite what the stats show, his athletic and mobile 6'0 build quietly helped cover for Jakob Glesnes’ lack of recovery speed last season, allowing the back line to stay balanced in transition.

His leaping ability also gives him real presence on set pieces, and he has already shown activity in the box that hints at goal threat beyond what his current scoring numbers suggest. The next step in his development is sharpening his defensive positioning, which showed small inconsistencies last year, but that is a normal part of growth at his age. The tools, composure, and confidence are already there, and this feels like the season where Makhanya fully grows into being a reliable anchor in the Union’s back line.

Quentin's Season Prediction:

MLS Regular Season: 3rd place

MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals exit

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Round of 16 exit

Leagues Cup: Semifinal exit

Bruno Damiani - Jose Nunez

Bruno’s “rookie” year in MLS was nowhere near as bad as much of the fan base, and even some journalists, have claimed. The Uruguayan striker joined Philadelphia just four days before the season opener against Orlando. In 40 appearances for the club, he scored nine goals and added two assists. While those numbers may not jump off the page compared to others on the roster, let alone across MLS, the Uruguayan was integral to the system functioning properly and to the club winning its second Supporters’ Shield.

His hold-up play and ability to press made him a valuable piece in what the Union aimed to do: force opponents into mistakes in their own defensive half and strike quickly on the counter.

The goals he scored were not always screamers, but he certainly showed flashes that make you raise an eyebrow. The goal against D.C. United, where he muscled his way through defenders, is a prime example.

That said, I do believe he could have finished with more goals if not for several goalkeepers turning back the clock. The likes of Sean Johnson and Brad Guzan “stole” goals from the Uruguayan on more than one occasion.

2026 should be a breakout year for Damiani, who now has the system under his belt and a new partner in Alladoh, whose transfer surpassed Damiani’s as the largest in club history. However, questions remain about who will consistently serve the ball to Damiani, as the departure of Kai Wagner to Birmingham City in the Championship leaves a massive void yet to be filled. Either way, I expect a lot from the Uruguayan, and I have no reason to doubt him.

Nathan Harriel - Mike Barrera

It was an interesting 2025 for Nathan Harriel. He started the season with an injury, which opened the door for Frankie Westfield to shine in the Starting XI. Nathan and Frankie would compete for minutes all season, although Ian Glavinovich’s injury provided Harriel with an option at center back too. Nathan also saw chances at the Gold Cup with the US Men’s National Team, but he didn’t have a huge impact on the team’s run to the Final.

The Union’s season continued, and I wanted to see Nathan’s offensive approach improve. However, as the Club closed in on the Shield, I felt that the team was more dangerous with Frankie in the lineup. Not only is Westfield a tenacious and high-energy defender, but his crosses into the box offered a more reliable option on the opposite side of Wagner. With all of that said, 2026 will be an important season for Nathan. Kai Wagner is at Birmingham City, and for the first time in a long time, we have competition at left back.

Westfield has played left back with Union II, while Harriel has proven to be a versatile defender who can play comfortably on either side. As of the time of this article, both Westfield and Harriel should be in the Starting XI in CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, neither Nate nor Frankie can get complacent. Tom Bogert broke the story that the Union are finalizing a deal with Philippe Ndinga, a young left back that is expected to compete for a spot in the first team.

Nathan and Frankie are both good defenders, but Wagner’s absence will be a noticeable difference in the Union’s attack. The deciding factor for Carnell could very well be who is the more dangerous, two-way player. As of now, my money is on Westfield, with Ndinga slotted into the left back role once he’s familiarized himself with Carnell’s system. Harriel will also find a logjam at center back. Glesnes may be in LA, but Larsen and Martinez are promising and established players who will be competing for the second CB spot next to Makhanya. Sundstrom could also see some time if he shines sooner than expected.

What benefits Harriel over the other defenders is his versatility. As I mentioned before, he can play each position on the back line, and we have even seen Nathan in the midfield. Harriel’s minutes may come from his ability to do whatever, whenever Carnell needs him to.

I like Harriel. He’s a mature and talented young player who is a crucial part of this team’s depth. However, with the Union the deepest they’ve ever been, Nathan will once again have to fight for his spot in the Starting XI.

Final Thought and AAT Sports Network Coverage

Overall, our writers are optimistic for the 2026 season, and we collectively agree there is depth and talent across this roster. However, as we've seen in years past, the Union are always good, but not necessarily great. It's up to Coach Carnell to once again find some magic in his young and promising roster.

For AAT Sports Network, we will continue with Match Previews, Player Analysis, and our weekly Across the Pitch Post Game Shows. We hope you enjoy another season with us and we greatly appreciate the ongoing support. Doop!