CHESTER, Pa.— It was a flurry of news for Union II on the eve of their first MLS Next Pro match of the season. It was announced earlier in the day that Union Academy left back Jordan Griffin signed with Union II, and more news was to come. University of Pennsylvania defender Oliver Pratt signed after impressing during preseason, and versatile Colombian midfielder/defender Óscar Benítez re-signed after a 2025 season that saw a lot of growth.

Pratt, 22, of Miami, Florida, had a strong collegiate career at Penn. He was a three-time Ivy League Champion, 2025 Philadelphia Soccer Six Defensive Player of the Year, second team All-Ivy, and a two-time Philadelphia Soccer Six All-Star. He was also named to the Ivy League All-Tournament Team twice during his time at Penn. Over his four years, he made 51 appearances (48 starts) and had five goals and six assists. During his senior season, he logged 1,467 minutes and had three goals/four assists.

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“Oliver made a strong impression during preseason with our group,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach, Ryan Richter in the press release. “He showed his quality, composure on the ball, and defensive awareness right away. We’re excited to officially welcome him to Union II and look forward to continuing his development within our system.”

Óscar Benítez, 21, of Santiago de Cali, Colombia, returns for his second year at Union II. He showed tremendous growth during his time, and played both as a midfielder and defender, depending on where he was needed. In 2025, he appeared in 21 matches, and made nine starts. He also played in all three playoff games. He had one goal on the season, and it was the game winner at Toronto FC II in September 2025. Before Union II, he spent 2024 with St. Louis CITY 2. Richter spoke during the 2025 season of how much growth he had seen in Benítez, and now he gets to continue on that trajectory.

“Óscar has shown consistent progress and maturity within our environment last season,” Richter said in the press release. “His work rate, defensive presence, and ability to impact games in key moments were valuable for us, and we’re excited to continue his development heading into 2026.”

Both Pratt and Benítez will be available for the opening day match as Union II takes on Toronto FC II at Subaru Park on Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 PM.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II