The Union Academy’s preseason is underway as the U-16 and U-18 squads head off to Duisburg, Germany, and they have a new face in their coaching ranks, as well as a change of assignment.
The Academy teams are coming off a successful season that was capped off by the U-15 squad, led by head coach Ben Moane, taking home the trophy for the MLS Next Cup. The U-16 and U-18 squads also made deep runs in the tournament. Arguably one of the best soccer academies in the nation will look to continue its tradition of excellence, and they will have an experienced group of leaders at the helm.
The Academy kicked off the new season with orientation in the recently-opened WSFS Sportsplex. The indoor facilities and multiple outdoor fields bring together the Union, Union II, and Union Academy in an impressive campus that fosters the growth of the club from top to bottom, as well as being open to the community.
As they embark on the new season, there are some changes in leadership to note. Pedro Cavalcanti, who coached the U-16 squad in 2024-2025 after coming from Inter Miami’s U-15 squad, has taken an assistant coach position at Serie B side AC Monza. That club was recently relegated from Serie A. He did an excellent job with the U-16s and his jump to the Italian league is telling of his reputation and qualifications.
Taking Cavalcanti’s place with the U-16s is Peter McDonnell, who moves from coaching the U-18s. Hailing from Ireland, McDonnell was hired by the Union in August 2023. Prior to being brought in by former Union Academy director Tommy Wilson to be the U-17 coach, McDonnell was head coach of Minnesota United FC’s U-15 squad and was an assistant coach at University of Maine.
Replacing McDonnell’s position, it was announced today by the Union that Chris Harmon has been hired as the new U-18 coach. He comes from Austin FC II, where he was an assistant coach the last two seasons, but is originally from Downingtown. Prior to that, he was a U-17 coach with the New York Red Bulls Academy. Collegiately, he played for Old Dominion University, where he later served as an assistant coach, as well as being an assistant coach at Florida Southern College. He also has served as head coach and assistant academy director at Barça Residency Academy.
Led by Director of Academy and Professional Development Jon Scheer, the Union continues to make waves in the youth academy level of soccer and develop talent that has gone on to play in at the MLS level, for National Teams, and Europe, and it will be interesting to see how the next season plays out with the changes and new facilities.
Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union Academy/MLS Next
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