CHESTER, Pa.—It has been a good stretch for Stas Korzeniowski, and it just got better. The imposing striker, who led Union II in goals (12) during the 2025 season, has been signed to a first team contract with the Union, per the club’s announcement today. The contract is through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028. At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Korzeniowski brings physicality while having a knack for finishing, and should complement a striker contingent that includes players like Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh.

“Stas has earned this opportunity through his consistency, work ethic, and contributions in front of goal,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell in the Union’s press release. “He continued to make steady progress with Union II, and his hold-up play, physical presence, and finishing ability add depth to our attacking group.”

The 22-year-old graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and native of Skillman, New Jersey was selected by the Union in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft as the 53rd overall pick, but he elected to finish his college career, graduating with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics. He had a strong career at Penn, where he had 32 goals and 17 assists over his four years. During his senior year, he was named Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Ivy honors.

Korzeniowski signed with Union II for the 2025 season and was a key cog in their scoring machine, though he really came in clutch in the latter part of the season as he dealt with some injuries during portions of the season. In 22 regular season appearances with Union II, he scored eight goals, and then had four during the three playoff games, including a brace in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against FC Cincinnati 2. He also made an appearance on the bench for the first team on a short-term call up against St. Louis CITY SC last March and played for the Union in the friendly against Atlas in June.

Including the MLS Next Pro playoffs, he had a seven-game scoring steak to finish the 2025 season with Union II, which ended with him scoring the lone goal for Union II in the Eastern Conference Final loss against New York Red Bulls II.

After scoring a brace against Chicago Fire II in September 2025, I talked to Korzeniowski about his goal-scoring streak which, at that point, was just in its early stages, and about his mentality during the season.

“I’ve been training hard and working at it and just waiting for my moment to come together, and I guess I’ve experienced a bit of that in the last two games,” Korzeniowski said. “But I’m really hungry and ambitious for more, and that’s the feeling of a goal scorer—is that once you get a taste of it, you’re constantly desiring more of it, and I’m I’m feeling really good about myself. But I know that I want to catch up for some of the goals I left out on the field earlier in the season and make up for that. Every game it’s the same approach, just don’t overthink it and let it come to you. And when I have my moment, just bury it.”

Korzeniowski did indeed find a moment and bury the ball in the net when Alejandro Bedoya passed him the ball in the opening friendly match of the 2026 preseason in Marbella, Spain. He scored the lone Union goal against SK Sigma Olomouc in their 1-1 draw. Though only a friendly, counting that goal extends his scoring streak from last season and is a great way to start. He will certainly look to continue that form as he gets his chance with the first team—a well-earned opportunity.

Main article photo credit: Philadephia Union II