Looking to build upon the success of 2024’s magical run to the MLS Next Pro Cup, Union II embark on a new season this Sunday at New England.
After coming up just short in Frisco, Texas against North Texas FC in the MLS Next Pro Cup in November 2024, Philadelphia Union II are determined as ever to reach the pinnacle with their talented young squad. While many players will return from last year’s squad, including some who signed first team contracts, there are some new faces rounding out the team along with Union Academy players. They also have a new head coach, though he is no stranger to the Union.
Ahead of the opening day match at New England Revolution II on Sunday, March 9, the following is a guide for the beginning of the season including player profiles.
Players Signed to Union II (MLS Next Pro Contract) and On Loan
Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Union II
Óscar Benítez (midfielder): The 20 year old, 6’1″ Colombian should be a strong addition to the defense. He joins Union II from St. Louis City 2 and has received much praise ahead of his debut with the squad.
“Óscar brings defensive strength, speed, and an aerial presence to our midfield and back line,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach, Ryan Richter. “His athleticism and ability to cover ground make him an exciting addition to our system, and we’re looking forward to seeing him thrive.”
I also asked Richter about what he was seeing from Óscar in Thursday’s press conference, where he called him a “real destroyer” and touted his physicality and versatility:
Willyam Ferreira (midfielder): A longtime Union Academy player, the 16 year old Philadelphia native recently was called up to USYNT U-16 camps.
“Willyam has proven to have great vision and a strong work ethic, which has been even more evident throughout this preseason” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter. “He’s a dynamic player who has already demonstrated great potential at the Academy level, and we look forward to continue guiding him through his development.”
Stas Korzeniowski (forward): Prior to being selected by the Union in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, the New Jersey native was a standout at Penn.
“Stas has had a strong preseason with both the first team and Union II, where he showed his ability to adapt to our system and make an impact on the attack,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach, Ryan Richter. “His size, strength, and quality provide an invaluable asset, as he’s able to challenge defenders physically and provide a strong presence in the box.”
Kellan LeBlanc (midfielder): A familiar face to those who follow Union II, he made his debut with the squad as an Academy player in March 2024 and featured in several matches. You can read much more about him in my recent article: Kellan LeBlanc Signs with Union II
Ramzi Qawasmy (defender): The most recent signing by Union II, it was announced today that the 25 year old Lansdale native and former Union Academy player has returned to his roots after most recently playing for Atlanta United 2. In addition to his on-field duties, he will be in a coaching role with The SWAG, which is a no-cost youth soccer program for ages 4-9.
“Ramzi is a strong, composed defender who brings experience and leadership to our back line,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach, Ryan Richter. “His ability to read the game, organize the defense, and contribute in possession makes him a valuable addition, and we’re excited to have him back in our system.”
Mike Sheridan (goalkeeper): Another familiar face, Mike returns to the squad after his option was exercised in the off season. He filled in nicely when Andrew Rick was not in goal, and featured in nine matches. He played at the collegiate level for St. Joseph’s College of Maine as well as for USL League 2 side West Chester United SC, and hails from Folsom, PA. Check out our post-game interview with him after a strong outing against Chicago Fire II last August.
Leandro Soria (forward): After having his option exercised for 2025, Leandro returns to build on a strong showing in 2024. After a brace in August 2024, he earned Team of the Matchweek honors. He has dual United States/Argentina citizenship and prior to coming to the Union played for Godoy Cruz in Argentina’s first tier league.
Giovanny Sequera (midfielder- on loan): It was announced today that the Venezuelan’s loan was extended for the 2025 season. Initially joining Union II on loan in March 2024 from Metropolitanos FC. He has made appearances with Venezuela’s U-17 and U-20 youth national squads and was called up to the senior national team ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers this past fall.
“Giovanny has worked hard to adjust to our style of play, and his dedication has made him an important part of our squad,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter. “We’re excited to see how he continues to develop this season and look forward to watching him take the next step in his career.”
Academy/Amateur Players Who May Feature
In addition to the signed players, Union II has a wealth of up and coming Academy players who may see opportunities as the season goes. Here are a few to keep an eye on, but is by no means an exhaustive list.
Jordan Griffin (defender) and Jamir Johnson (forward)- Along with Kellan LeBlanc, they most recently played in Costa Rica for the USYNT in the U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.
Malik Jakupovic (forward)– He may get chances with Union II as he has been turning heads in matches with the Academy. Most recently, he was selected to the USYNT U-16 training camp along with Willyam Ferreira and Isaiah “Timo” Mendoza.
Gavin Wetzel (defender)– The defender and YSC Academy senior committed to Pitt next fall played a huge role in 2024 with Union II and looks to again (at least until he leaves for college… unless he ends up like Frankie with a change of plans).
Some other names to keep an eye on who have spent time with Union II: highly rated goalkeeper Marcelo Ávalos (who had a recent call-up) as well as Gavin Atkinson, Henry Bernstein, and Zachary Mastrodimos amongst others.
First Team Signed Players
As is usually the case, there will be first team players who spend a lot of time with Union II to get playing time, whether it is because they have competition at their position, or are coming back from injury. The latter is something we have not seen as much of, but could under the new leadership.
As of now, I would expect to see many of the stars of last year’s squad still getting time at the Next Pro level. Currently, Eddy Davis, Sal Olivas, Neil Pierre, and Frankie Westfield are off-roster homegrowns who have a maximum of six short-term call ups to the first team while in that roster designation. Frankie has been called up twice so far, starting both matches the Union have played in 2025 and putting on strong performances that have gained him much adulation (and speculation as to his future). With Nathan Harriel not being 100 percent at the time of Bradley Carnell’s pre-match press conference, Frankie may get his third call up against New England Revolution on Saturday.
Markus Anderson, CJ Olney, Andrew Rick, Cavan Sullivan, and David Vazquez could possibly see a lot of time with Union II. Another player who was a mainstay with Union II last season was Olwethu Makhanya, but it looks like he perhaps is going to be very regular with the first team after finally getting his shot with the first team. Nick Pariano is also a first team-signed player, but was loaned down to Union II all of last season. He currently occupies Supplemental Slot 31 in the Union’s roster profile, and is loaned to Union II once again.
Ryan Richter takes the reins
After serving as Jim Curtin’s assistant coach with the first team and being a part of the organization since 2018, Ryan Richter was named head coach of Union II following Marlon LeBlanc’s departure. Having a coach who knows the system and the players already should make the transition much easier. He coached in the Academy and has worked with many of the current Union II players over the years. For much more on Ryan Richter in his new role, please check out Kyle Almoney’s article on him and his vision for the team. Rounding out the coaching staff is Henry Apaloo, Fred da Silva (or just “Fred” to most) and returning goalkeeper coach Ross Cain.
Opening Day Match
As Sunday quickly approaches and Union II prepare to take the field for the first time in regular season play in 2025, Ryan Richter held a press conference this past Thursday. When I asked him about his message to the squad going into the match with New England Revolution II and how their training has shifted from preseason, he had this to say:
Expectations are high and as the team came so close to winning it all, the hunger for victory remains… and as any good Philadelphia fan knows, to quote Super Bowl Champion Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, “Hungry dogs run faster!”
Union II take on New England Revolution II on Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 PM at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It will be televised on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV.
Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II
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