Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin has provided plenty of early opportunities to young players and several 2023 MLS NEXT PRO standouts could be on their way up next season.
Union II’s campaign ended on October 1 with a 3-2 first round playoff loss to New England Revolution II, closing the door for several players this year. Despite an early postseason exit, Marlon LeBlanc’s squad used a late-season surge to claim the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
In addition, Union II held their own against English fourth-tier side Wrexham AFC in a 1-1 home draw back in July.
Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, and Chris Donovan are just a handful of current Union first team players that previously excelled in MLS NEXT PRO.
Here is a closer look at which Union II players could be on the first team radar in 2024 and beyond:
Jeremy Rafanello – Forward
The Philadelphia Union have a deep attacking pool of players and Jeremy Rafanello could become the next household name in 2024.
Rafanello ranked second on the Union II roster with nine goals and six assists this past season in 18 appearances. After originally being a Union academy player from 2017-18, Rafanello played one season of collegiate soccer at Penn State University before bouncing around between several clubs.
He played in the USL for Indy Eleven and New York Red Bulls II before returning to Chester as a Homegrown Player signing in August 2022. Rafanello made his MLS debut earlier this summer in the Union’s 4-1 home win over the Red Bulls on Sept. 3.
Rafanello’s versatility could see him used as a forward, attacking midfielder, or winger in the Union’s set up.
Christopher Olney – Midfielder
MLS NEXT PRO has served as a great developmental league for plenty of highly-touted prospects and 16-year-old Christopher Olney certainly took advantage of his opportunity this year.
Olney registered the third-most minutes (1,816) for Union II this season, while also leading the team with eight assists and contributing four goals. In addition, Olney’s 39 key passes also ranked as the most among Union II players, showing his willingness to impact things in the final third.
A dual-national, Olney is eligible for the United States and Italy at the international level.
David Vazquez – Midfielder
Another promising midfield prospect is 17-year-old David Vazquez.
Vazquez scored five goals and added two assists in 21 appearances (17 starts) this past season. He ranked in the Top 10 in minutes played for Union II players (1,422) and his 37 key passes were the second-most behind the aforementioned Olney.
A strong-two way player, Vazquez might need another MLS NEXT PRO campaign to fine-tune his game, but overall he is a talented prospect.
Anton Sorenson, Full Back
Full back depth is something the Philadelphia Union might need in 2024 pending Kai Wagner’s future and Anton Sorenson could be the player to provide it.
Sorenson, 20, totaled 1,306 minutes in 2023, starting in 14 of his 22 appearances for Union. A stubborn defender, Sorenson is eligible for both the United States and Haiti at the international level, one of several dual-nationals in the Union II squad.
His 23 interceptions were the fourth-most among Union II players while his versatility could see him used as a left or right back.
Nelson Pierre, Forward
Nelson Pierre was one of several returning players for Union II in 2023 and the 18-year-old forward took another step forward in his overall development.
Pierre totaled four goals and four assists in 28 appearances for Union II, close to doubling his minutes played from 2022 (738 to 1431). A clever attacker, Pierre’s 34 fouls drawn were the most among Union II players, making him a tough weapon to keep wraps on for an entire 90 minutes.
Similar to Sorenson, Pierre is also eligible for the United States and Haiti at the international level, and could be swayed to represent Haiti due to their growing stature in CONCACAF.
Who are you most excited to see earn a chance with the Union first team? Which players impressed you in 2023? Are there any players you enjoyed watching that didn’t make this list?
Share your thoughts below.
