CHESTER, Pa.— The Philadelphia Union Academy’s U-18 squad had a memorable season, winning the Snow Bowl and Dallas Cup, and ultimately falling in the MLS Next Cup playoffs. From all accounts, the 18s were a brotherhood who would give everything they had on the field, as well as forging incredible bonds off the field. Many of them also feature with Union II, and have brought their talents and determination to MLS Next Pro.
One of those players is the recent YSC Academy graduate and soon-to-be Cornell University freshman Lennon Harrington. The tall, affable native of Long Island mainly plays as a six and brings a dangerous aerial presence along with dependable defending. In his five regular match appearances with Union II, all off the bench, he scored one goal, which was a header against Red Bull New York II. For his efforts, he was named MLS Next Pro Rising Star of the Matchweek in March.
I was able to catch up with Lennon following training to talk about the academy and Union II season, and his personal journey as one of the ten young men who reside in the Union’s residency house. The One Team We Agree On have heard from multiple players on what a valuable experience that is, from Eddy Davis and Sal Olivas to more recently with Malik Jakupovic. The following is my full conversation with Lennon, number six-seven for Union II (if you do not get the joke, it is old by now anyway):
Jillian Almoney: First, let’s talk about your season with 18s. I have talked with a few of the other guys, but just what made that group so special in your opinion?
Lennon Harrington: Yeah, to be honest, in my opinion, what made the group was just our togetherness, really from preseason. Chris [Harmon] kind of installed in us that, you know, if we’re together, then it doesn’t really matter who we face.
JA: What were some of your favorite memories that you’d take from the season?
LH: I think I think it’s got to be Dallas Cup. Dallas Cup was like one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on, like the togetherness of the group, throughout the whole tournament. Everyone played a part… there wasn’t like one top goal scorer, everyone had like one goal, so yes, it was top.
JA: Then with the MLS Next Cup, in the playoffs, you got to play against your old club, B.W. Gottschee. How was that? Did you have a little extra motivation there?
LH: Yeah, there was definitely a little bit more, meant a little bit more for me, plenty of old teammates. The talk before the match was fun, but it was good to have the last say, the last laugh.
JA: And speaking of coming here from Long Island, how has it been living in the residency house? How’s that been for you?
LH: It’s been so great. I think it’s been probably my favorite part about being here. It’s just like living with your best friends, 10 of your best friends, yeah. Miss Cecelia, Mr. Fred are great. They’re taking care of us like a second home. So, yeah, just like being with the guys is just the best.
JA: I’ve always heard such good things about the house parents, they’re just fantastic. And then, as you’re getting ready to head off to college, just what lessons will you take from your time here in Philly?
LH: What lessons—probably just like the leadership and how being in a group can get you far, because I feel like being here and having so many close friends, it just like makes you want to be in the field and play with everyone and give that extra mile for everyone.
JA: And what led you to choosing Cornell?
LH: Cornell…the coach… I really love, like, the first conversation I had with the coach, he was my favorite. So, yeah, and then obviously the academics too.
JA: Yeah they’re really good academically. Speaking of which, what are your goals for the future, both athletically and academically?
LH: Academically, hopefully to graduate, and then definitely athletically make it as far as I can in the soccer world.
JA: Do you have a major chosen?
LH: I don’t, not yet.
JA: It’s a big commitment.
LH: Of course.
JA: And then talking about Union II with Chris Harmon taking over as interim head coach, just obviously you’re really familiar with him too. What do you think he brings to the squad?
LH: I think he definitely like brings competitiveness, like no matter the game that we play, we always want to win, and definitely that defensive edge, always trying to keep a clean sheet and defend together as a group.
JA: Union II has been on the wrong side of thin margins quite a bit this season, unfortunately. What do you think the squad needs to do to get on the right side of that?
LH: Yeah, that’s been tough, like we’re always just losing by one, just it’s a little margin in the game, last minute especially was tough to take. So I think, like, the last couple games have been like the best I’ve seen us play, like first Crown Legacy. I thought that was the best we’ve played all season. So I think we’re doing the right things. It’s just a matter of time until the results go our way.
This writer has no doubt Lennon will excel collegiately with the great foundation he has built and the leadership qualities he possesses, and wishes him the best of luck as he will soon depart for those new endeavors.
Lennon and Union II take on Orlando City B on the road on Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 PM.
Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.
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