Philadelphia Union II Kicks Off 2026 Preseason with 2-2 Friendly Draw vs Loudoun United

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Philadelphia Union II Kicks Off 2026 Preseason With Hard-Fought Draw

Chester, PA – The Philadelphia Union II launched its 2026 preseason preparations Friday, battling to a 2-2 draw against USL Championship side Loudoun United FC in a closed-door scrimmage at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex Fieldhouse. The match marked the frist competitive action of the year for both teams,providing a valuable prospect to assess early-season fitness and tactical approaches.

First-Half Dominance, Second-Half Resilience

The Union II side largely dominated the initial 45 minutes, securing a 2-0 lead. Kellan leblanc opened the scoring in the 8th minute,demonstrating early attacking prowess. A second goal followed quickly in the 12th minute, stemming from a well-executed corner kick, although the scorer remains unconfirmed, potentially a trialist or academy player.

Loudoun United responded strongly after the interval. They narrowed the deficit in the 63rd minute through a goal from one of their own academy prospects. Former Bethlehem Steel FC player Bolu Akinyode then leveled the score just two minutes later.

Youth movement On Display

Head Coach Ryan Richter utilized a lineup heavily featuring players from the union Academy, with seven U-18 players taking the field in the starting eleven. jordan Griffin, recently established as a key contributor at left back in 2025, also featured prominently. Kaiden Moore, currently on loan from Atlanta United, and Kellan LeBlanc rounded out the more experienced members of the starting side.

The second half saw further opportunities for developing talent. Academy amateur Andrew Craig, brother of Union player Brandan Craig, entered the match at left center back, replacing Moore. A trialist goalkeeper also took over duties from Alex Smith at halftime. Midfielder Tyler Gladstone replaced Nehan Hasan in the 75th minute.

Lineup Details

Here’s a breakdown of the starting and second-half lineups for Union II:

Position	First Half	Second Half
Goalkeeper	Alex Smith (AA)	Trialist
Left Back	Jordan Griffin (AA)	Jordan Griffin (AA)
Left Center Back	Kaiden Moore (1st)	Andrew Craig (AA)
Right Center Back	Lennon Harrington (AA)	Lennon Harrington (AA)
Right Back	Trialist	Trialist
Defensive Midfielder	Nehan Hasan (AA)	Nehan Hasan (AA) / Tyler Gladstone (AA – 75′)
Defensive Midfielder	Matheus De Paula (AA)	Matheus De Paula (AA)
Attacking Midfielder	Isaiah Mendoza (AA)	Isaiah mendoza (AA)
Attacking Midfielder	Kellan LeBlanc (UII)	Kellan LeBlanc (UII)
Striker	Theo Reed (AA)	Theo reed (AA)
striker	John Ruf (AA)	John Ruf (AA)

Looking Ahead

Several players with ties to the first team – Stas Korzeniowski, Sal Olivas, CJ Olney, Eddy Davis, and Markus Anderson – were unavailable for this match while returning from training in Marbella, Spain. Forward Malik Jakupovic and RB Giov

What was the final score of Philadelphia Union II’s preseason match against Loudoun United?

Philadelphia Union II Begins 2026 campaign with Exciting Draw Against Loudoun United

Philadelphia union II launched its 2026 preseason schedule with a spirited 2-2 draw against USL Championship side Loudoun United this afternoon. the match, played at the union’s training facility in Chester, Pennsylvania, provided a valuable first look at the development squad under Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc as they prepare for the upcoming MLS Next Pro season.

Match Recap: A Back-adn-Forth Affair

The friendly showcased a dynamic and attacking style of play from both teams. Loudoun United drew first blood in the 18th minute with a well-placed finish from forward Kalen Riley. Union II responded swiftly, leveling the score just eight minutes later thru a clinical strike from academy product, Ben Ortiz.

The second half saw continued end-to-end action. Loudoun regained the lead in the 65th minute via a penalty kick converted by veteran midfielder, Thomas Williamson. However, Union II demonstrated resilience, equalizing once more in the 78th minute. This time,it was promising newcomer,Mateo Ramirez,who found the back of the net with a powerful header following a well-delivered corner kick.

Despite several late opportunities for both sides, the match concluded in a 2-2 stalemate. The draw offered valuable minutes for a range of players, including several trialists vying for a spot on the 2026 roster.

Key Performances & Player Observations

Several players stood out during the match, offering glimpses of the talent within the Union II system:

* Ben Ortiz: The young midfielder showcased his attacking prowess with a composed finish, demonstrating his potential as a key contributor in the upcoming season. His ability to find space and link play was especially extraordinary.

* Mateo Ramirez: the newly signed defender made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial equalizer. ramirez’s aerial ability and defensive solidity will be vital assets for Union II.

* Trialist – Forward (Jersey #TBD): An unnamed forward on trial displayed impressive pace and dribbling skills, creating several scoring chances.His performance has undoubtedly put him in contention for a contract.

* Jack McGinley (Loan Appearance): Philadelphia Union first-team midfielder Jack McGinley made a cameo appearance in the second half, gaining valuable match fitness during the offseason.His presence provided a boost to the Union II midfield.

Tactical Insights & Preseason Focus

Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc utilized a 4-3-3 formation for much of the match, emphasizing a possession-based approach. The team appeared to prioritize building from the back and utilizing the width of the field.

Key areas of focus during preseason appear to be:

1. defensive Association: While the attack looked promising, there were moments of defensive vulnerability, particularly in dealing with set-pieces.
2. Midfield Chemistry: Integrating new players into the midfield and establishing a cohesive understanding between the starters will be crucial.
3. Finishing: Converting chances remains a priority. Despite creating numerous opportunities, Union II could have added more goals to their tally.
4. Integrating First-Team Loan Players: Successfully integrating players like Jack McGinley, who are on loan from the first team, will be key to developing a strong team dynamic.

Looking Ahead: preseason Schedule & MLS Next Pro Aspirations

This friendly against Loudoun United marks the beginning of a rigorous preseason schedule for Philadelphia Union II. The team is scheduled to play additional friendlies against regional USL League Two and USL Championship opponents over the next few weeks.

The primary goal for Union II in 2026 is to build upon their performance from the previous season and contend for a playoff spot in MLS Next pro. The development of young talent and providing a pathway to the first team remain central to the club’s beliefs. Fans can expect to see a blend of experienced academy graduates and promising new signings throughout the season.

Philadelphia Union II: A Pathway to the First team

Philadelphia Union II serves as a vital link between the Union’s youth academy and the first team. The program provides a competitive environment for young players to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.Several players have successfully transitioned from Union II to the first team in recent years, including:

* Paxten Aaronson: Now playing professionally in Europe.

* Leon flach: A regular contributor to the Philadelphia Union first team.

* Jack McGinley: A rising star in MLS, frequently called upon by the first team.

This success story underscores the importance of Union II in nurturing the next generation of soccer talent. The club’s commitment to player development is a cornerstone of its long-term vision.