Chester—It is no secret that the Philadelphia Union boasts some bona fide talent in its young players, and recently several of these players have received accolades for their play this season.
Major League Soccer released its “22 under 22” rankings for 2025, and the Union had three on the list—more than any other team—with Quinn Sullivan at 6, Olwethu Makhanya at 13, and Frankie Westfield at 18.
The trio have had different journeys, but have all been major contributors to the first team this season. Sullivan, 21, and Westfield, 19, are homegrowns that came up through the Union’s academy and are from Philadelphia. Makhanya, 21, of South Africa, was brought in on a U-22 Initiative contract in 2023.
Sullivan, who was ranked at 8 last season on the list, is now on a U-22 Initiative contract, had his first USMNT caps in 2025 amongst other honors at the youth level, and had a standout season before tearing his ACL recently. From the official release from Major League Soccer, it was stated, “The attacking midfielder brings a relentless engine, pinpoint crossing ability, and solid finishing.” Perfectly said, and it shows what a devastating loss it is with the season-ending injury. Still, he was able to hoist the Supporters’ Shield with his teammates last Saturday, who most likely had a little extra incentive to win on his behalf, because he was a major contributor to the many wins racked up by the squad.
Westfield and Makhanya are on the list for the first time. They helped Union II get to the MLS Next Pro final in 2024, and made their marks this season with the first team, being consistent starters since opening day. Makhanya has become a mainstay at center back, paired up with Jakob Glesnes, and Westfield has been in a bit of a tandem with Nathan Harriel at right back, but has allowed Harriel to fill in at center back when necessary. They both have seized the opportunities that came their way in 2025, and will be needed as key pieces as the Union gets ready for the MLS playoffs.
U-20 World Cup
Westfield has been in Rancagua, Chile with the United States U-20 squad as they compete in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Eddy Davis, another Union homegrown, was with the squad as a training player, but returned home in time to be at the match against NYCFC and celebrate winning the Supporters’ Shield with his teammates.
During the group stage, Westfield started the first two matches. He scored a goal and had an assist against New Caledonia, and then had a secondary assist against France. After winning the group stage, the U.S. will face Italy in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 9 at 3:30 PM ET (Peacock, Universo). Ahead of the match, Kyle Almoney of The One Team We Agree On asked U-20 coach Marko Mitrović his thoughts on Westfield’s performances so far, and also how he assessed Davis during his time with the squad.
“Yeah, we are very happy with Frankie and I think that through the whole cycle, camp after camp, game after game, Frankie is growing as a player, and it’s great to see that his development is going in the right direction,” Mitrović said. “And also we had Eddy here with us and two training players. They both did a great job, great humans. They take it really seriously as a part of this team, work hard and help us to prepare for this tournament.”
Davis is currently attending the U-20 Men’s National Team camp in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain along with Andrew Rick. The U-17 MNT camp, featuring Union II’s Malik Jakupovic, is also there. Additionally, Neil Pierre is with the U-19 MNT camp in Marbella, Spain. These will run October 6-15 and include international friendlies.
The U-17 MNT (2008) camp is also currently underway in Fayetteville, Georgia as they prepare of the U-17 FIFA World Cup in November. Jordan Griffin, Jamir Johnson, Kellan LeBlanc, and Cavan Sullivan (who was ranked number 25 and just missed on the 22 under 22 list) are in attendance as Gonzalo Segares prepares to name his squad for the tournament.
The talent is abundant within the Union’s ranks, and these young players will surely be exciting to watch as they continue to prove themselves at the MLS and national team level.
Main article photo sourced from Philadelphia Union
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