Philadelphia Union Squad 2025

The Philadelphia Union Squad 2025 is shaping up as one of MLS’s most intriguing sides as the club prepares for the upcoming MLS 2025 season. Led by coach Jim Curtin, the Union return to the field at Subaru Park with a mix of veteran leaders and promising youth. In recent years, Philadelphia topped the Eastern Conference and even won the Supporters’ Shield, building a culture of success. Heading into 2025, fans are excited to see how the roster evolves – especially with new signings on the way and the continued development of young MLS talents.

Table of Contents

Season Outlook and Conference Context

Philadelphia Union aim to challenge for trophies in MLS 2025. They’ve consistently finished at or near the top of the Eastern Conference MLS standings and have made the playoffs in six straight seasons. Curtin’s team plays a disciplined, aggressive style (described as “disruptive and aggressive”) that has led to one of the league’s best defenses. With home games at Subaru Park (on the banks of the Delaware River), the Union enjoy a passionate fanbase that turns the stadium into a fortress. Building on playoff runs and their first MLS Cup final appearance in 2022, the 2025 squad will look to combine experience with new energy to make another deep postseason push.

Offseason Signings and Transfers

The Union were busy in MLS transfer news for 2025. Key additions include:

Bruno Damiani (FW, DP): The 22-year-old Uruguayan striker was signed from Nacional for a club-record fee. A tall, physical forward, Damiani is expected to bolster the attack and is a Designated Player for 2025.
Jovan Lukic (MF): A 23-year-old Serbian defensive midfielder acquired from Spartak Subotica (through 2026). Tanner praised Lukic as a “dynamic, ball-winning midfielder” to strengthen the core.
Indiana Vassilev (F/MF): Signed from St. Louis City SC in February 2025, the 24-year-old US youth international had 4 goals and 4 assists in 2024. Vassilev adds versatility and recently earned a USMNT call-up.
Danley Jean Jacques (DM): The 24-year-old Haitian midfielder joined from FC Metz (France) in mid-2024. Fast and physical, he adds depth and big-league experience.
Frankie Westfield (DF): A 19-year-old homegrown right back, Westfield has starred for the Union Academy and was a US U-20 call-up. He signed a four-year contract through 2028 and adds a youthful spark on the flank.
Homegrown Promotions: Union inked several academy stars to first-team deals: midfielder Nick Pariano (20, Duke standout), creative winger CJ Olney (17), and forward Sal Olivas (18). Both Pariano and Olney are US youth national-team players, exemplifying the club’s focus on “USMNT prospects” from its academy.

The club also retained veteran leadership. Alejandro Bedoya (MF) re-signed for 2025, continuing to mentor young players. Meanwhile, stalwart goalie Andre Blake (a multi-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year) anchors the backline.

Roster Breakdown

Goalkeepers: Andre Blake (JAM) – the club’s all-time appearance leader – remains No.1. He recorded 6 clean sheets in 15 games in 2024 and won his third MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2022. Backup Oliver Semmle (DEU) was signed in 2024 and brings USL championship experience (13 clean sheets in 2023). Third-string Andrew Rick adds depth as a promising young keeper.

Defense: The Union often use a three-centerback system. Jakob Glesnes (NOR) is a veteran leader – he started all 32 games in 2024, with 2 goals and 3 assists. Olwethu Makhanya (RSA), 19, is a U‑22 initiative signing from South Africa. A highly rated prospect (2023 DStv Rookie of the Year), Makhanya adds athleticism and can play in back three or four. Fullbacks Olivia Mbaizo (CMR) and Kai Wagner (GER) provide width; Wagner has become an MLS assist machine (13 assists in 2024, making him Union’s all-time assist leader). Other defenders like Nathan Harriel and Isaiah LeFlore offer rotation options. The defense blends MLS experience with youth.

Midfield: Veteran Alejandro Bedoya (USA) plays a pivot role; he made 30 appearances in 2024, with 2 goals and 4 assists. He’ll be joined by newcomers Danley Jean Jacques and Jovan Lukic for energy and grit. Creative play comes from Quinn Sullivan (USA) – the rising homegrown attacker led the team with 11 assists (5 goals) in 2024 – and Jesus Bueno (VEN). Sullivan and fellow youngster Nick Pariano (USA), who recently signed a first-team deal, are top USMNT prospects in the squad. The midfield thus mixes seasoned pros and high-ceiling youngsters.

Attack: The front line is anchored by two DPs. Mikael Uhre (DEN), signed in 2022, scored 10 goals with 6 assists in 2024. Bruno Damiani (URU) is the new target forward; he’s expected to partner with or challenge Uhre. Tai Baribo (ISR) remains a key winger – he bagged 9 goals in 2024. Young forwards Sal Olivas and Cavan Sullivan (USA) (14-year-old homegrown) add depth and potential.

Roster Highlights

2 Designated Players: Mikael Uhre (DP) and Bruno Damiani (DP) anchor the offense.
Homegrown Talent: MLS Next Pro standouts Quinn Sullivan, CJ Olney, Sal Olivas, and Nick Pariano have all earned MLS contracts.
US Youth Internationals: Quinn Sullivan, Nick Pariano, Frankie Westfield, and Indiana Vassilev (recent USMNT call-up) represent the academy’s success.
Depth: The squad has strength in depth, with quality backups like Olwethu Makhanya, Jovan Lukic, and Union II standouts.

The Union’s home stadium, Subaru Park, provides a unique advantage. Built along the Delaware River, it offers a picturesque setting and modern amenities. Fans at Subaru Park create an electric atmosphere – as one Union media release noted, “nothing matches the beauty of a playoff game… on the banks of the Delaware River in Subaru Park”. The dedicated training facilities in Chester help develop the Union FC lineup, blending veteran knowledge with young talent. Playing at home gives the squad confidence as they face rivals in the Eastern Conference.

Preseason and Tactical Notes

The coaching staff used preseason friendlies to integrate new players and test tactics. In January 2025 the Union toured Florida and Europe:

Vs FC Cincinnati: The Union lost 4-1 in Florida, but there were positives. Jakob Glesnes scored on a corner kick, and 25 different players saw action. Lineups included new signings (Jean Jacques, Westfield, Lukic) and rotated veterans.
Vs AGF (Denmark, in Spain): The Union fell 2-1, but Quinn Sullivan scored the first goal of 2025 (a nice ricochet finish). Coach Bradley Carnell rotated through three lineups in the match. He emphasized growth over results, stating he wanted to see collective progress and “good, positive things” from the team.
Other friendlies: The Union also played Orlando, Miami, and Slavia Prague, experimenting with formations (mostly 3-5-2 and variations). These games allowed USMNT prospects and homegrowns (like Olney and Pariano) to stake claims.

Carnell’s use of young players in preseason signals that the 2025 squad will be deep. The coach’s comments after friendlies highlight that the focus is on building the team, not just the final score. As the Union manager noted, the most important thing was seeing “a lot of good… with this group in such a short span of time”.

Possible 2025 Lineup

Under Curtin, the Union frequently use a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 formation. A projected starting lineup might be:

GK: Andre Blake
DF: Kai Wagner (LB), Olwethu Makhanya (CB), Jakob Glesnes (CB), Nathan Harriel (CB), Isaiah LeFlore (RB)
MF: Jesus Bueno, Jovan Lukic (holding mids); Juan Quintero (if he were on roster, but he’s not; likely Danley J. Jacques instead), with Quinn Sullivan in a more advanced role
FW: Mikael Uhre and Bruno Damiani as the two forwards.

This setup uses Wagner and LeFlore as wingbacks, three centerbacks (Makhanya, Glesnes, Harriel), and a double pivot of Bueno/Jacques or Bueno/Lukic. Sullivan would serve as the creative midfielder behind Uhre and Damiani. Other players (Baribo, Olivas, Pariano, Olney) will battle for playing time. The exact lineup will depend on form and tactics, but this illustrates how new signings and academy products fit into the squad.

Coaching Strategy and Key Stats

Jim Curtin’s teams are known for strong defense and teamwork. He favors wingbacks (Wagner, Mbaizo) to press the flanks and relies on set pieces. The Union’s style under Curtin often emphasizes quick transitions and high-intensity pressing. As one Union press release put it, the team has “an aggressive playing style that reflects our city”.

2024 Key Player Stats

Mikael Uhre (FW): 10 goals, 6 assists in 30 games.
Tai Baribo (FW): 9 goals, 2 assists in 21 games.
Quinn Sullivan (MF): 5 goals, 11 assists (team-high) in 34 games – first Union homegrown to record double-digit assists.
Kai Wagner (WB): 1 goal, 13 assists in 34 games – led team in assists for the 2nd straight year.
Andre Blake (GK): 6 clean sheets in 15 starts (40% clean sheet rate).

These numbers highlight the players who will carry momentum into 2025. Sullivan’s breakout as a young playmaker stands out, as does Wagner’s creative output. Uhre and Baribo provided the bulk of goals. (Note: José Martínez was a 2023 stat hero but has since been sold and will not be on the 2025 roster.)

FAQs

Q: Who is on the Philadelphia Union roster for 2025?
A: The 2025 Union roster includes veterans like GK Andre Blake, MF Alejandro Bedoya, and DF Jakob Glesnes, plus new signings and rising youth. Key additions are Bruno Damiani, Indiana Vassilev, Jovan Lukic, Frankie Westfield, Nick Pariano, CJ Olney, and Sal Olivas. The full official roster is listed on the Union website, and the summary above covers the highlights.

Q: Which players are expected to start for the Union?
A: Likely starters include Andre Blake; defenders Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes; midfielders Jesus Bueno, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques; and forwards Mikael Uhre and Bruno Damiani. Quinn Sullivan will be a key playmaker. The exact Union FC lineup will depend on training form, but this core group is expected to see most minutes (see “Projected 2025 Lineup” above).

Q: Who are the Designated Players on the 2025 Union?
A: Philadelphia has two DPs for 2025: Mikael Uhre and Bruno Damiani. Uhre was signed in 2022 and delivered 10 goals in 2024. Damiani joined in 2025 for a club-record fee. (Former DP Daniel Gazdag left in 2023, so he is no longer on the roster.)

Q: What are some US national team prospects on the team?
A: Yes – several young Union players have US youth or senior caps. Quinn Sullivan captained the US U-20s in 2023. Midfielder Nick Pariano was called up to the US U-20 team. Frankie Westfield is a U.S. youth international, and Indiana Vassilev recently earned a senior USMNT call-up. The Union have a strong academy pipeline feeding USMNT talent.

Q: What is Jim Curtin’s coaching style?
A: Curtin emphasizes a strong team ethic, solid defense, and aggressive pressure. The Union often play a 3-5-2 formation with overlapping wingbacks. They are known for quick transitions and taking advantage of set pieces. Curtin’s teams have had one of the league’s stingiest defenses (e.g. only 26 goals conceded in 2022) and versatile midfielders like Bedoya organizing play.

Q: Where do the Union play their home games?
A: The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. It’s a modern waterfront stadium on the Delaware River. The atmosphere at Subaru Park is electric, especially during playoff runs, and the team often talks about the home-field advantage it provides.