CHESTER, Pa.—After a strong 2025 campaign that took them to the Eastern Conference Final, Philadelphia Union II are returning to action as their preseason is underway and the 2026 schedule has just been released.

They will open the season in their earliest-ever match at home against Toronto FC II on February 28 at 3:00 PM. Home matches will continue to be played at Subaru Park, however some select matches will take place on the WSFS Bank Sportsplex grass field where new bleachers and a press box have been installed.

A new opponent has come into the fold as Connecticut United FC has joined MLS Next Pro as an independent club like Chattanooga and Carolina Core, and brings the total clubs in the league to 30. Union II will face CT United three times in the regular season as the Eastern Conference has had a realignment, and the newcomer is now in the Northeast Division. Chicago Fire II have moved to the Southest Division.

Unlike the MLS teams, MLS Next Pro will continue to play through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing for the continued development of the players on those squads.

Defender Kaiden Moore Returns on Loan

After joining Union II on loan from Atlanta United II in August 2025, center back Kaiden Moore has now been acquired by the Union’s first team from Atlanta United FC on loan through 2026 with a permanent trade option. He will continue to develop with Union II as he will be an off-roster homegrown with the first team.

The 6’2″ 18-year-old from Macon, Georgia made two regular season appearances off the bench in 2025 with Union II for 55 minutes, and started the Eastern Conference Final against New York Red Bulls II, playing 63 minutes. Though his minutes were limited, he had been a later addition to the squad, and was starting to find his footing. Now he gets to begin the season with the team and show what he can bring.

“Kaiden continues to show strong potential as a composed young center back,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter in the press release. “His ability to read the game, combined with his physical presence and commitment, make him a valuable addition to our defensive group as we look ahead to the 2026 season.”

Moore came up through the Atlanta United Academy system, and was part of the Atlanta United U-16 squad that won the 2023 MLS Next Cup Championship. He also has U.S. Youth National Team experience at the U-17 and U-18 levels, and most recently was called up in September 2025 to the U-19 ID Camp.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II