Chester – It is no secret that the Philadelphia Union has one of the best academies in the United States, and names that have come through like Aaronson, McKenzie, McGlynn, Freese, Sullivan, and so on are making names for themselves domestically and internationally, including with the U.S. Men’s National Team. It is a testament to the vision and programming of the organization, including Sporting Director Ernst Tanner and Academy Director Jon Scheer and those who came before them, as well as the coaching staff from the developmental side up to the pro level. Top to bottom, the success is there.
This season already saw the debut and quick rise of Frankie Westfield, and increased roles for Cavan Sullivan and Andrew Rick, but much more is in the pipeline. Recently, several young up-and-comers made their debut professionally or at the MLS level, and have made a splash already.
MLS Debuts: Eddy Davis, Sal Olivas, David Vazquez
Anyone who follows Union II is no stranger to Eddy, Sal, or David. They were key parts of that memorable 2024 Eastern Conference Champion Union II squad.
Eddy Davis signed a homegrown contract in February, but had only appeared with Union II, aside from the friendly against Atlas where he scored a goal. His big moment came against Chicago Fire on June 25 when he subbed on in the 88th minute as the Union clung to a 1-0 lead.
Davis shared what that moment meant to him: “I mean, words can’t really describe it. I moved across the country at 15 years old by myself to have a dream to be a professional soccer player. So to step on the field in an MLS match, words can’t describe it. I’m honestly honored for that to happen.”
On what he learned from the experience, Davis said, “I’m capable of being on the field with those guys. Like, I felt comfortable, I felt confident, I put in a lot of work, and I felt like I belonged on that pitch.”
David Vazquez signed a homegrown contract in 2024, but did not appear for the first team that season. He started for the Union in their US Open Cup match against Indy Eleven this past May at left back, but made his official MLS debut against Columbus Crew on Sunday, subbing on in the 71st minute.
“I mean, it was definitely a challenge, you know, playing outside back [in the Open Cup], but it was a challenge I was willing to take,” Vazquez said. “And whatever helped the team advance for the Open Cup. Bradley [Carnell] gave me some instructions, you know, I kind of took it, and, you know, I was ready for it, but, I mean, the experience was great, and I think it kind of helped me making my debut, so I went in there calm and relaxed versus Columbus. So, I mean, I felt great, just looking to get more time in the near future, for sure.”
In that same match at Columbus, another homegrown who signed in February, Sal Olivas, subbed on in the 63rd minute and made an impact with some offensive pressure and a shot. Bradley Carnell remarked:
“We’ve watched him for months now, and what Sal does is he runs and he puts a lot of teams under pressure with his energy and his pressing. It’s not just a case of running without purpose- I think Sal has a really distinct way about how he closes time and space, and how he releases, and he’s got good energy, and he creates good moments- got a couple touches in the box. So for his debut, I thought he did exactly what we needed [him] to do.”
Union II head coach Ryan Richter also had praise for the trio: “Proud of them. You know, and the hardest part about this is to continue to perform at the second team level while being patient for the opportunity play at the first team. And I think they all did a good job. Eddy’s appearance was shorter, obviously, but, you know, they all went in and it didn’t look like they didn’t belong. So we’re proud of them. Now they have to do the mental part of it performing next week- if it’s in Union II, or it’s first team, they have to now get better again. So this is nice for them, nice for them and their family, but it’s a first step and hopefully many.”
Along with their MLS debuts, Olivas and Vazquez also had big steps in their careers as they were able to represent the United States at the U-19 level in Spain in June, along with Union teammates Andrew Rick and CJ Olney (read more about that here). They took a lot from those experiences were proud to be a part of it.
“I haven’t gotten called up, like in probably over a year,” Olivas related. “So it’s been a while and yeah, it was a good feeling when I got that that information that I got called up and all. So, yeah, I mean, obviously, it’s a real feeling to get called up and represent my nation.”
“Yeah, I mean, it was a great experience for me,” Vazquez shared. “It’s always good to travel with the U.S., especially with some new faces out there. It was good. New challenges. We played Spain, I think we played Ukraine as well. Great battle between both teams. I was able to get a goal versus Ukraine, but overall, I thought I did well. I felt like one of the top players in that camp. So I think just playing with the other guys and then pushing me every single day really helped me going into those games.”
Now that they have made the leap to the first team level, what are some goals moving forward?
“I mean, I think my season, it could always improve. My goals, have short term goals, have long term goals, but I think the short term goals is obviously to get more minutes,” Vazquez said. “I want to score, I’m a goal scorer. Create assists, and just play a big role for the team and obviously, the main goal is to go make it playoffs and win that as well. So we’re taking it day by day, but I know we’re really going for that Open Cup trophy. We’re going for that playoff spot as well, and we’re going for the Eastern Conference Final.”
Olivas shared his goals as well, saying “Obviously, to continue doing well with Union II maybe need to get some first team minutes, maybe keep getting rostered for the first team. It’s gonna be good.”
Union II Debuts: Malik Jakupovic and Willyam Ferreira
At the MLS Next Pro level, two 16 year old standouts made their professional debuts with Union II and have already impressed.
Malik Jakupovic, the 6’3″ forward who was recently named an MLS Next All Star along with Jamir Johnson, signed a contract with Union II back in May, and promptly made his first appearance against FC Cincinnati 2 on June 3. He subbed on in the 71st minute and scored late in second half stoppage time.
Jakupovic, a Sterling Heights, Michigan native, had family on hand to see his debut and his first goal. He described what that moment was like for him:
“It was really good because it was in Cincinnati- it was an away. And my parents live in Michigan, so they were able to go to the game and watch. And coming in and scoring, like the last second of the game, it was incredible, seeing my parents in the crowd and it was a really good feeling.”
And on being named to the MLS Next All Star team, Jakupovic shared, “It feels really good. Just like me and Jamir, only kids from the Academy going to MLS Next All Star game, so I’m proud to represent the Union, so, yeah, I’m excited.”
Philly native and midfielder Willyam Ferreira made his debut on Monday against Orlando City B after being an unused sub in the previous match. Subbing on in the 63rd minute, he was aggressive and brought lots of pressure in a strong first appearance.
“So obviously, for me and my family it was really special because it was something I’ve been looking forward to my whole life- playing professionally,” Ferreira shared. “And yeah, it was a really good game. It felt really, really special, especially with this group, because some of these kids, I’ve been with some of them since I was maybe like nine, eight. And I’m really grateful for Richter, Fred, Henry, all the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me a chance at the pro level.”
It can be a jump from playing against U-16s or U-18s and then playing against professionals up into their 20s and even 30s. On the difference in play, Jakupovic noted, “I’ve seen that a lot of the older guys are more competitive, like, physically, technically, they’re a lot smarter. They just have a lot more fight, and I think that’ll make me like a better player if I keep on training with them and like this.”
Ferreira echoed that sentiment and appreciated the competition, saying, “It’s a lot more physical, I’d say. Level was also a lot better, which I’m really happy with. I like to play at the best to push myself and improve every day. But yeah, I thought. It was pretty good. I felt like I fit in as well. I enjoyed it a lot.”
The two young men are only at the beginnings of their professional careers and making that pro debut was a goal, but they are looking forward to reaching more of their goals. Jakupovic is focused on improving and getting more time with Union II, noting, “Probably I’ll start off short, like, just getting minutes every game, then maybe get a start and then continuing to score and get assists and just win games.” Ferreira shared, “I made my debut, but my goal this season is to be a starting player. Just to do well, make my family proud, improve myself every day.”
Ryan Richter, no stranger to developing talent from within the Academy, thought both Jakupovic and Ferreira had strong performances in their debuts. Following the match with Orlando City B, Richter noted, “Yeah, he [Ferreira] did well. I thought the one where he cut in with the right foot, I thought he’s gonna curl down in the top corner. But he did really well. Now he’s wanted someone really excited about. So he’s got to just keep going and keep improving.”
On Jakupovic after the FC Cincinnati 2 game, Richter had stated, “I was happy for Malik that he got his goal. That’s a great, a great story to score on your debut. And you know, he deserved the minutes that he got. You know, from how he’s worked in training with Union II to how he’s performed in the academy games, and obviously the club is committed to him, and you know we’re committed to his development, so it’s a great start to what we hope is a long and successful run and, you know, many more steps along the way, but it’s a great first step, at least with Union II.”
Now that it is summer and the Academy teams are on hiatus, expect to see these two get more opportunities with Union II, along with many other talented rising stars such as Johnson, Jordan Griffin, Kellan LeBlanc, and others. One thing is for certain: the Philadelphia Union has no shortage of talent, and the future is bright.
Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union/Union II, FC Cincinnati 2
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