MARBELLA, Spain— In their second preseason match of the 2026 campaign, the Philadelphia Union continued their early preparations in Spain, facing a stiff test against Danish side FC Nordsjælland.
With it being the second match of the preseason, Bradley Carnell continued to mix and match his pairings for Philadelphia’s second starting eleven of 2026.
Andre Blake would start in net after not playing in Tuesday’s match. Trialist #38 and Japhet Sery Larsen both earned their second consecutive starts along the back line, joined by Finn Sundstrom and Frankie Westfield.
Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques started their second match in a row, alongside Jovan Lukic and Cavan Sullivan in midfield.
Ezekiel Alladoh and Bruno Damiani were paired up top, a combination that is expected to be seen frequently in 2026 when starting elevens are announced, if all goes to plan.
Nordsjælland controlled most, if not all, of the opening 45 minutes, attacking Philadelphia down both flanks and consistently delivering crosses into the box. The Danish side appeared content to sit back and wait for Philadelphia’s press, looking to exploit it early in the friendly.
Forward Alexander Lind put Nordsjælland ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute, finishing a cross from the right side past Andre Blake. Nordsjælland was not done scoring in the first half, adding a second goal in the 39th minute as Prince Amoako Junior beat the defense to give the Danish side a two-goal lead.
That is not to say Philadelphia lacked opportunities in the first half. Lukic sent a shot wide after Nordsjælland took the early lead, and Danley ripped an effort from distance that sailed just over the crossbar later in the half. Ultimately, those missed chances proved to be the difference before the break.
Andrew Rick replaced Andre Blake to begin the second 45 minutes as the Union looked to climb back into the match.
Alladoh had an opportunity in the 48th minute, hitting the side netting on his chance. Frankie Westfield followed with a strong opportunity in the 63rd minute, sending a cross into the box from the left side, but Philadelphia was unable to find the finishing touch.
Philadelphia went to the bench three minutes later with a mass substitution in the 66th minute. Forward Stas Korzeniowski, fresh off signing a first-team deal, entered alongside Sal Olivas. Indiana Vassilev, Milan Iloski, Jeremy Rafanello, and Jesus Bueno also came on to reshape the midfield.
The defensive group shifted to Ben Bender, Olwethu Makhanya, Nathan Harriel, and Olivier Mbaizo.
The Union continued to push forward following the substitutions, with Olivas and Iloski each generating chances, though neither was able to capitalize.
Just before the end of the second half, Nordsjælland nearly extended its lead to three, but Andrew Rick made a tremendous save to keep the deficit at two before voicing his displeasure with the defense.
George Marks replaced Rick in goal as the final 45 minutes began. The goalkeeper was called into action early, making a save following a defensive lapse.
Iloski, Bueno, and Olivas countered with several chances of their own as Philadelphia looked to pull within one, but none found the back of the net.
Eddy Davis and C.J. Olney entered late in the match, with Davis making an immediate impact. He broke in on goal and put a shot on target, but the attempt was saved and deflected away.
Finally, after sustained pressure, the Union found a breakthrough on a familiar theme: a set piece. Center back Olwethu Makhanya headed home a goal in the 129th minute to pull Philadelphia within one.
Despite Makhanya’s goal and the team’s efforts over the final 90 minutes, the Union ultimately fell 2-1 to the Danish side.
Despite the result, it is still preseason. With significant roster turnover, Philadelphia has been in camp for just over two weeks. Both Union goals so far have come from hallmark principles of the club — forcing turnovers in transition and capitalizing on set pieces.
With Kai Wagner gone, Jakob Glesnes unavailable, and Pierre out on loan, the squad is still finding its footing defensively. With Alladoh leading the line, the goals should come in time — which is exactly what the preseason is for.
The Union will now have time to train and continue to gel ahead of their final match in Spain on Thursday, January 29, against Montenegrin side FK Budućnost.
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
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