Chester — Arguably one of the biggest stories emerging from the early part of the Philadelphia Union’s season is Philly native Frankie Westfield, the defender who developed through the Academy and Union II. The 19-year-old homegrown talent has quickly gained attention, starting six first-team matches and making seven total appearances with one assist. He was also called up to the United States Men’s U-20 national team training camp in March.

Due to injuries to Nathan Harriel and Kai Wagner, Westfield has had the opportunity to play at right back—his natural position—as well as left back. As those players have returned, his role remains uncertain, but he seems to have secured a spot with the senior team, making a seventh appearance against NYCFC, where he came off the bench late in the game. Westfield began the season as an off-roster homegrown player and, under league rules, was eligible to make six appearances with the Union. Although there has been no official communication from the club regarding Westfield’s roster status at the time of this article, it can be assumed that an agreement has been reached, with more information expected to be released soon.

As the Philadelphia Union were preparing to take on Atlanta United (at home, Saturday) during a beautiful morning at Subaru Park, I caught up with Westfield after training to discuss the season so far.

I’m curious about the overall experience during your call up to the March U-20 camp and how that was for you?

Frankie Westfield: Yeah, I think it was a good time, especially getting to know some new guys that I wasn’t at the last class camp with. but thought overall had some good performances and I had a good individual performance in my game against Mexico, so I’m pretty happy with how that went.

Anything in particular that stood out to you in this camp that you learned or picked up on that maybe you didn’t from the previous camp?


FW: I would say from the last camp, I think, like, there’s nothing different from the Union’s, just playing on both sides of the field, like I did with at the national team, but left left back was kind of different this time around for me because I haven’t played it in a while. So it’s been, I think it was like six months since I played left back, but I that was pretty much the only difference.

Frankie Westfield gets the start for the #U20MNT today vs Mexico.

The US is currently up 1-0 after a goal in the 3’#DOOP
📷: Telemundo pic.twitter.com/LNdz5bSBzo

— Jillian All-$$ (@Silly__Jilly) March 22, 2025

You’ve played in seven matches so far in MLS. For you personally, what have been the biggest adjustments at this level for you?

FW: I just think the speed to play, is the biggest one for me. Just playing as quick as I can on the ball, playing as clean as I can on the ball, so I think just the speed of play and and my sharpness.

And speaking of your seven MLS matches, you started off the season as an off roster homegrown and quickly used up your six short term loans. I’m curious if you’re aware of what your roster designation is at this time and what, if you can share, were the conversations like for that?

FW: I think it’s just for me… it’s just to do what I’m told and I’m gonna go out there and just, you know, play my game if I’m called upon. So I think that’s what I’ve been doing most of the time. I think that’s kind of just the biggest part for me, to just do what I’m told and do it well.

So what was it like getting your first assist in your first MLS match? 


FW: Yeah, it was it was definitely… I wouldn’t say overwhelming, but I was it was definitely a toe in the water. It felt really really nice to celebrating with the guys after the goal and even after the game, after the win. But yeah, very relieving. It got me my confidence up a lot for sure.

And what ways do you feel the 4-2-2-2 formation has benefited your style of play so far this season?

FW: Yeah, so I’m a fullback that likes to get high a lot and I think Coach, in the system, gives me the freedom to do that.

I like to join the attack a lot, so I think the 4-2-2-2 helps me join the attack but also get back in defense well.

Let’s talk about Bradley Carnell a little bit. We’ve heard he’s a great communicator. Do you feel the same way, and if there’s anything that stands out to you for him personally?

FW: I think he communicates very well whether it’s between us or the staff.

I think everything is very clear in the way we want to play, and the way we want to approach the game, as well as on the field. He’s a great guy and off the field he’s a great guy and helping me along with whether it’s things in life or just soccer. So, yeah, it’s pretty good.

Now the squad has only one win in the last five games. Is there anything you feel that could contribute to that, or is it more of just something that all clubs experience?

FW: Just like clubs experience, like you said, it’s just, you know, I think we maybe got a little bit comfortable winning those those first three games and scoring a lot of goals, but I think now we’re gonna start to to pick it up more.

When you look at this Atlanta United side, what stands out to you about their playing style or squad when planning for this match?

FW: Yeah, they have a lot of big name guys and they signed a lot of players. I think it’s gonna be a tough match, especially again with a lot of like 1v1 kind of tied into all those things. But yeah, we’re focusing.

And what are you most looking forward to ahead of Saturday’s match?

FW: I think for me just getting in the game and then playing front of the fans again, but also picking up another assist maybe, or maybe even my first goal.

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It certainly would be something for the young defender to get his first goal in front of the home crowd, especially being from Philly. Be sure to catch the match on AppleTV at 7:30 PM if you are not able to get down to Subaru Park.

Notes on the other homegrowns and players that feature with Union II

Now that Frankie Westfield has emerged as a consistent player with the first team, along with Olwethu Makhanya and Cavan Sullivan, who could be next from the guys who have spent all or most of their time with Union II last season and this season?

Neil Pierre is the obvious pick, in my opinion, of who could break through next. The 17 year old center back has made two appearances on the first team bench, and with Ian Glavinovich sidelined with a meniscus tear, he may be called upon. He has shown a lot of promise, and recently was called to the U-18 squad of the US Youth National Team.

Markus Anderson is one that this writer would like to see get a chance. The forward made several appearances last year with the first team, some great, and some that were learning experiences, but really had a strong run with Union II. Unfortunately, he has been hampered by injuries, but he brings an energy that can especially be great late in the game.

Could we see players on the supplemental roster spots in CJ Olney, David Vazquez, or Isaiah LeFlore with the first team at some point? Or even Nick Pariano (currently loaned down to Union II)? Possibly, especially with a congested schedule coming up with the Open Cup. Off-roster homegrowns Eddy Davis and Sal Olivas are not out of the question, but I feel unlikely unless there are injuries with the forwards. For now, look for those players to keep grinding with Union II and working their way up as so many with the Union have before.

Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union II