CHESTER, Pa.— He is only 19, but Finn Sundstrom has experienced play at the USL, MLS Next Pro, MLS, and youth international level—all within the last year. The native of North Carolina, who came up through the North Carolina FC Academy starting at age 11, is versatile having played in the midfield before converting more recently to center back.
The Philadelphia Union made a lot of moves going into the 2026 season, and one of the first ones they made was signing Sundstrom, formerly of USL side North Carolina FC. The defender earned North Carolina FC Player of the Month honors in September 2025, and a nomination for the USL Championship Young Player of the Year award in 2025. When that club suspended operations for the 2026 season, D.C. United acquired Sundstrom off waivers. The Union traded their MLS SuperDraft first round pick to D.C. in order to acquire the rights to Sundstrom, and signed him through 2028 with options for 2029 and 2030.
To date, he has appeared in two matches for the Union’s first team: one in MLS play and one in the Concacaf Champions Cup. He made his Union debut at Defence Force, coming in off the bench.
When Frankie Westfield was a last-minute scratch from the starting lineup in the MLS season opener against D.C. United, Sundstrom was slotted in—out of position—to make his MLS debut. He was injured in that match and worked his way back, while also getting minutes with Union II. He has appeared in all four MLS Next Pro matches for Union II so far, scoring the game-winner against FC Cincinnati 2 on March 8.
I caught up with Finn at training prior to the team departing for their match at Charlotte FC to chat about his experience making the jump to MLS, as well as his national team time.
Talk about when you first found out there was interest from the Union, and what were your thoughts, and how did you feel their playing style fit yours?
Finn Sundstrom: When I first heard that, I was extremely grateful for an MLS team to look at me. At that time, like I didn’t have anything, just playing with North Carolina, just going with that, and just didn’t really expect that to happen. And I think my playing style fits in, because I feel like—still working on it— but the pressing ability is, I feel like as an attacking 10 that I used to play, I feel like me being aggressive and working on that really fit into the play.
Obviously there are differences between USL and MLS…travel, talent, et cetera. What have you noticed during your time so far?
FS: So just way bigger difference is the quality of teams, the quality of places, the stadiums, the people that come to the games, everything like I think it’s a big difference and something that I need to get used to.
Then, of course, you mentioned your past as a 10 and midfielder, just how has that prepared you for the role you’re in now? How’s that transition been?
FS: I’ll go back to the pressing thing, and then also working on breaking lines, just being comfortable as a center back and just, I feel like I’m good with the ball at my feet. So I think that helps.
Can you talk about your preseason in Spain and Florida, just how it was acclimating to the team?
FS: I’d say it was really cool to meet the guys. There’s a lot of young guys on the team, so it was good to connect with them, which I wasn’t really used to, because North Carolina were a bunch of older guys, but it was good meshing with them, and then a really good experience in Spain. I think that was my fourth time being there, and then Tampa was good, also, so a good preseason.
And then you get inserted into the starting lineup for the opening match against D.C. last minute, so I’m curious how difficult that preparation was for you. Can you describe what that was like for you?
FS: Yeah, obviously I was grateful to get that opportunity, to be honest, but, yeah, it was a little difficult. Difficult because I don’t really play left back either. So it was different for me, and the speed is also different, which I’m still getting used to. I hope to be there and start again soon.
Then for you, what have been the biggest adjustments in terms of tactics and philosophies, for you since your arrival here in Philly?
FS: With MLS, there’s a lot more tactics too, I feel like, than USL. Also, just even just understanding the game is big, I’d have to say.
And then also getting time with Union II—just how beneficial has it been to get minutes there? And what’s it like been playing with that squad?
FS: I love it, just playing with the younger guys, and obviously I want to play and learn, and that’s with… playing down, and that’s fine with me, like I need to learn, I need to get better, and I’m okay with that. I know in the future that there’s stuff that I want to get to, and obviously want to get to starting spot in MLS. So I feel like that will help.
What did it mean to you to get that national team call up? [U-20 Men’s National Team camp in Argentina] How was that experience for you?
FS: Every time I see that email of USA contacting me, I’m so grateful to get the opportunity. I got my first game with them, so that was very exciting. First game, first start, and played Argentina, and Messi was watching. It was a crazy experience, and it wasn’t much—there was some pressure, but I think I dealt with it pretty good.
What were some of the best moments for you from that? What did you learn from that?
FS: Obviously, the team, the US team, plays a little bit different, so I’m just learning their play style and also seeing Argentina and how different it is there, and their complex and getting used to that, and seeing how cool it is was pretty awesome.
With the team heading to Charlotte, how’s the team’s mindset going in?
FS: I’d say we want it more, like I think this is a big, big new start, so I think we’re gonna get out there and play how we want to play and get that win.
And lastly, just for people that are less familiar with you, what can they expect to see from you as a player with the Union moving forward this season?
FS: Whenever I get the chance, I’m going to work as hard as I can, and whenever I do get on that field, I’m going to give 100% and you’re gonna see a bunch of blocks, probably, I’m good with the ball, and good pressing.
Sundstrom will certainly be worth keeping an eye on as he progresses within the Union’s system. In this writer’s opinion, it is unfair to judge him too much on that out-of-position appearance in D.C. He is still very young and has shown growth while playing with Union II, and appears to have a great attitude and work ethic. Time will tell if he gets more opportunities with the first team, or if he even is part of the squad as they travel to his home state of North Carolina for tomorrow’s match, but it should be interesting to see how he evolves in Philadelphia and if he can build on the success he had in USL.
For more on Finn:
Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.
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