The Philadelphia Union organization introduced an exciting event during their preseason this year, hosting the Snow Bowl tournament for U-15s, U-16s, and U-18s within the Union Academy. While this tournament generated significant buzz, it inadvertently overshadowed the preseason activities of Philadelphia Union II, which has seen a decline in media attention since the Snow Bowl commenced.
Despite the lack of information circulating about Union II’s preseason, the team announced they would participate in four scrimmages—two in Chester and two in Florida. The first of these matches took place against Loudoun United in Chester, but details about subsequent games were sparse, leading to a sense of uncertainty among fans.
PSP was able to attend a practice session before the team’s trip to Clearwater and another upon their return, where we had the opportunity to speak with head coach Ryan Richter. He provided reassuring updates, confirming that there were no major injuries among the players and that the team’s conditioning goals for preseason preparation had been met.
Looking ahead, PSP has exciting plans for covering Philadelphia Union II this season, with two writers, Tim Jones and newcomer Alex Hayden, set to provide insights and updates.
In terms of future developments, it appears the MLS Next Pro league will undergo a significant calendar shift in 2027, aligning it with Major League Soccer’s schedule. This transition from a Spring-Summer-Fall calendar to a Fall-Winter-Spring format includes a reduced season length from late February or early March to June, followed by a longer season lasting from late July or early August through the following May. While there hasn’t been an official announcement, recent contract disclosures from other MLS Next Pro teams support this expected change.
Furthermore, MLS Next Pro has made a noteworthy change in broadcasting partnerships, announcing a collaboration with OneFootball for the 2026 season. This new partnership marks a shift from Apple TV, allowing fans worldwide to stream all matches for free. This accessibility is a significant step towards enhancing the league’s visibility and fan engagement.
However, the roster for Union II in 2026 has seen some changes. Coach Richter identified several players from the 2025 squad who will not return, including goalkeepers Mike Sheridan and Lou Liedtka, as well as striker Jose Riasco among others. Despite this turnover, the coaching staff remains optimistic about retaining a core group of players, including center back Rafael Uzcategui and striker Malik Jakupovic, who recently excelled in qualifying for the U17 World Cup.
Richter has also mentioned a number of promising academy players who caught the team’s attention during practices, suggesting a focus on nurturing talent within the Union’s development system. With whispers of fresh signings and contract updates expected before the season opener, anticipation is building around the Union II’s upcoming campaign.
Overall, the Union’s commitment to player development and the establishment of new broadcasting platforms reflect a hopeful and vibrant future for soccer in Philadelphia, expanding not only the growth of local talent but also enhancing global access to their matches.