Where the reigning Eastern Conference champs stand heading into 2025… so far.

While some player comings and goings had already been publicized shortly after the end of the season, Philadelphia Union II released their roster decisions Monday afternoon as they gear up for preseason. Here is a rundown of who is staying and who is going from 2024’s MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Champion squad.

Under contract for 2025:

Sal Olivas, forward – The 18 year old from El Paso, Texas played 1,262 regular season minutes for U2, starting 13 games and scoring four goals. For more, check out our podcast episode with Sal.

Neil Pierre, defender – The towering 17 year old from Lebanon, PA had a strong season, logging 1,828 regular season minutes. His awareness on the pitch and passing ability are top notch. He was called up to the US U-19 youth national team. Neil featured on our podcast early in the 2024 season.

Jose Riasco, forward – After returning from a loan to Boston River late in the season, the 20 year old Venezuelan logged 59 minutes in a sub role. He became massive since we saw him last, and it will be interesting to see what he might do in a full season with the U.

Frankie Westfield, defender – Arguably one of the most consistent and tenacious players, the 19 year old vice captain had 2,313 regular season minutes, the most on the squad, and was named to the MLS Next Pro Best XI for 2024 along with CJ Olney. He had 6 goals, 6 assists, and started all 26 games he played in. He also had a goal in the playoffs. In October 2024, he received a call up to the United States U-20 Youth National Team. He is reportedly on a homegrown contract as of the new year. The Northeast Philly native also came on our podcast last season.

Options exercised:

Mike Sheridan, goalkeeper – The 23 year old from Folsom played for St. Joseph’s College of Maine and West Chester United before signing with U2 in 2024. He proved to be a solid backup, featuring in nine games, and starting eight of them.

Leandro Soria, forward – The dual US/Argentina attacker who was born in Queens, NY had four goals on the season, with two against Chicago on August 10. He started seven of the 16 games he featured in. Kyle spoke with him just before that match. He joined U2 in April from Godoy Cruz.

Out of contract:

Kyle Tucker, midfielder (in ongoing negotiations) – The 25 year old from Phoenixville and formerly of West Chester United was the captain of the squad in 2024 and featured in 23 games, starting 11 of them, and had three goals and three assists.

Option declined:

Randy Meneses, defender – The 20 year old native of Ecuador played in nine games, and started three. He was on loan with option to purchase from Liga Deportiva Universitaria De Quito since February 2024.

Carlos Rojas – The 20 year old Venezuelan defender played in 18 games, starting 10. He had been on loan since 2023 from Deportivo La Guaira. This was somewhat surprising as he had provided solid contributions throughout the season.

Giovanny Sequera, midfielder (in ongoing negotiations) – The 18 year old from Venezuela had been on loan with option to purchase from Metropolitanos F.C. for the 2024 season. He has been called up to his home nation’s youth national team multiple times, and his star is on the rise.

Other players to keep an eye on:

Eddy Davis, forward – The 18 year old Academy product and native of Los Angeles had a monster season for Union II as the team’s top goal scorer (13 regular season- a team record, and one in the playoffs) and was Rising Star of the Matchweek three times. Check out his story on our podcast episode with him. He still has amateur status, but could a pro contract be in the works?

Gavin Wetzel, defender – Currently an Academy player and senior at YSC, the 18 year old has committed to Pitt. He had an impressive 2024 and really came on later in the season, starting in 15 of the 27 games he played, and logging 1,525 minutes.

Kellan LeBlanc, midfielder – The 16 year old Academy player made 12 appearances with three of them starts. In his first start, he scored a brace for his first Next Pro goals and earned Rising Star of Matchweek 23. We have yet to hear what is next for his dad, Coach Marlon LeBlanc, who led Union II to the MLS Next Pro Cup, but has not been renewed at the Union II post. Kellan could have an opportunity to break out, however, so it will be interesting to see what happens in 2025 for him.

Of course, there are the players who have first team contracts that spent a majority, if not all, of their time with Union II: Markus Anderson, Olwethu Makhanya, CJ Olney, Nick Pariano, Andrew Rick, Cavan Sullivan, and David Vazquez. Kyle did an analysis of who could see first team time from Union II- check it out here. There are also numerous Academy players who could make a splash and possibly end up with contracts.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches!

(Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II)