Hubbry Logo
Philadelphia Union IIPhiladelphia Union IIMain
Open search
Philadelphia Union II
Community hub
Philadelphia Union II
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Philadelphia Union II is an American professional soccer team based in Chester, Pennsylvania competing in MLS Next Pro. Founded in 2015 as Bethlehem Steel FC, the team is the official affiliate of the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. The team competed for five seasons in the USL Championship (the first three as Bethlehem Steel FC) before going on hiatus from competition during the 2021 season. The club's current colors are navy blue and gold.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Since the formalized partnership between United Soccer League and Major League Soccer in 2013, MLS teams had begun to form and field their own teams on the then third tier. This endeavor was largely driven to fill in the missing piece of player development between high school/college players and professional soccer players. In June 2015, the Philadelphia Union sent out a survey to fans gauging interest in fielding their own USL team.[1] The survey input and directives from the Union front office eventually led to the creation of a team that would play in the Lehigh Valley, officially announced on August 19, 2015.[2] This announcement made the Union the ninth MLS team to independently own and operate a USL club. The announcement also coincided with dissolving the previous affiliation with USL side Penn FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders), originally established in 2010.[3] After surveying fans for a name of the team, the results ended overwhelmingly in favor of “Bethlehem Steel FC” honoring the previous incarnation of the team in the early twentieth century.[4] Bethlehem Steel FC would become the “missing link” of player development between YSC Academy and first team for the Philadelphia Union. The club began to take shape hiring former Union assistant coach, Brendan Burke as the first head coach of the team's history on October 29, 2015.[5] On December 3, 2015, Burke made his first signing to the team in Derrick Jones, who was a player developing in the Union Academy.[6]

First seasons (2016–2018)

[edit]

In preparation of their inaugural season, Steel FC built a roster with a combination of USL veterans (Mickey Daly, Ryan Richter, Bolu Akinyode), Philadelphia Union draft picks (Josh Yaro, Fabian Herbers), and key international players (James Chambers, Cory Burke). This team would be largely supported by Union players on short-term loans in addition to academy players from YSC Academy.[7] The team's first season saw glimpses of positives but ultimately struggled down the stretch of the season, going winless in their last 12 matches.

On January 5, 2017, the United States Soccer Federation granted USL provisional Division II status; making the 2017 season the first time the Steel FC would compete as a Division II team.[8] Steel built on their inaugural season continuing to integrate more amateur players from YSC Academy and other young players. The emergence of Seku Conneh and Cory Burke as reliable scoring threats helped Steel FC double their previous season's win total, finished 8th in the Eastern Conference and earned their first playoff appearance.[9]

In 2018, Steel FC took another step forward with their best season to date, setting a record earning 50 points and 14 wins. Steel FC finished 6th in the Eastern Conference and won their first playoff match against in-state rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Advancing to the Conference Semi-finals, Steel FC ultimately lost to eventual 2018 USL Champions, Louisville City FC.[10]

Relocation and rebranding (2019–present)

[edit]

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Bethlehem Steel announced that it would play the 2019 season at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania; home of Steel's MLS parent club, Philadelphia Union. The relocation was prompted due to Goodman Stadium not having stadium lighting, limiting the scheduling possibilities and being in non-compliance with USL requirements. The team front office pledged to continue seeking out potential venue solutions that meet the USL Championship requirements for the 2020 season.[11][12]

On December 12, 2019, the Philadelphia Union announced that the Bethlehem Steel would change their name to Philadelphia Union II for the 2020 USL Championship season.[13]

On October 16, 2020, the Philadelphia Union announced that Union II would be withdrawn from the USL Championship and did not play competitively in 2021.

MLS Next Pro

[edit]

The club announced on December 6, 2021, that it was joining the 21-team MLS Next Pro for the inaugural 2022 season.[14]

Colors and badge

[edit]
Bethlehem Steel FC Crest (2016–2019)

On October 27, 2015, Bethlehem Steel FC's name, crest, and colors were officially announced during a ceremony held at the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks. "Steel FC" alludes to the historical Bethlehem Steel F.C., which played from 1907 to 1930.[4] The origin of the clubs' name is the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, which was once the second-largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder the United States and was important to the economy of the area. The name was chosen following a fan poll held between September 8, 2015 and September 28, 2015; the other three options were Lehigh Valley Steel SC, Lehigh Valley Blast, and Steel FC.[15]

The colors of Bethlehem Steel FC are navy blue and gold, and red, combining the primary colors of both the original Bethlehem Steel F.C. and the Philadelphia Union. The team's crest is elongated, representing the foundation of a new player development program and extension of the Union brand. Its gold rivets symbolize the relationship between the Bethlehem and Philadelphia clubs. The Union's rattlesnake alludes to the "Join, or Die" political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin that was featured in the 1754 Pennsylvania Gazette, and is also reminiscent of the Gadsden flag, another Revolutionary icon. The red beam in the middle of the crest is a tribute to the original logo of Bethlehem Steel F.C.

Before sponsoring a team in the USL, the Philadelphia Union commemorated the original Bethlehem Steel F.C. once before. In February 2013, the club unveiled a third kit with Steel F.C.'s colors, featuring a black jersey with white trim, a sublimated Union logo, and a Steel F.C. jock tag.[16][17][18][19][20]

In 2016, the crest earned a third place recognition for "2016 Primary Logo of the Year."[21]

Sponsorship

[edit]
Period Kit Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor Ref
2016–2018 Adidas Lehigh Valley Health Network [22]
2019 —
2020–present Sun East Federal Credit Union [23]

Facilities

[edit]

Stadium

[edit]
Lehigh's Murray H Goodman Stadium
Main article: Subaru Park

Philadelphia Union II plays home matches at Subaru Park in Chester, also home to the Philadelphia Union. Previously, they played matches at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem for three seasons.

Period Stadium Location Capacity
2016–2018 Goodman Stadium Bethlehem, PA 16,000[24]
2019–present Subaru Park Chester, PA 18,500[25]

Training facility

[edit]

Philadelphia Union II practices at the training fields next to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Club culture

[edit]

Supporters

[edit]

After announcing the creation of Bethlehem Steel FC, a supporters collaboration was soon formed. Largely organized through Facebook, the official supporters group emerged as the East End Army.[26] The East End Army support the team from the lower bowl section of Goodman Stadium, dubbed "the Forge." The official pub partner for Philadelphia Union II was Golazo House located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.[27]

Rivalries

[edit]

Philadelphia Union II was one of three USL teams in Pennsylvania, the others being Penn FC and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Since the 2015 season, Penn FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders) and Riverhounds compete for the Keystone Derby Cup, which currently excludes Bethlehem Steel FC.[28]

Players and staff

[edit]
For details on former players, see All-time Bethlehem Steel FC roster.

Current roster

[edit]
As of January 6, 2025
No. Pos. Nation Player
6 FW  USA Cavan Sullivan ([A])
24 MF  USA Nick Pariano ([A])
30 GK  USA Pierce Holbrook
35 FW  USA Markus Anderson ([A])
36 MF  COL Óscar Benítez
40 DF  VEN Rafael Uzcátegui
41 GK  USA Lou Liedtka
45 FW  USA Leandro Soria
47 MF  USA Kellan LeBlanc
49 MF  USA Willyam Ferreira
51 FW  USA Malik Jakupovic
55 FW  MEX Sal Olivas ([A])
57 GK  USA Mike Sheridan
68 DF  USA Jordan Griffin ([B])
76 GK  USA Andrew Rick ([A])
77 FW  USA Eddy Davis III ([A])
  1. ^
    Philadelphia Union first team player.
    2.
  2. ^
    Signed to Philadelphia Union Academy contract.
    3.

Coaching staff

[edit]
Position Staff Nation
Head Coach Ryan Richter United States United States
Assistant Coach Fred Brazil Brazil
Assistant Coach Henry Apaloo United Kingdom United Kingdom
Goalkeeping Coach Ross Cain United States United States
Video Analyst Diego Para United States United States
Athletic Trainer Veronica Dilzer United States United States
Equipment Manager Andrew Vaccaro United States United States

Coaching and Technical Staff as of April 21, 2022[29]

Head coaches

[edit]

This list includes all those who have managed the club since 2016, when the club joined United Soccer League for the first time, whether coaching on a full-time or interim basis. Games played include all League, Playoff, and the win percentage is calculated from the total of games.

  • Figures correct as of March 13, 2022. Includes all competitive USL and playoff matches. Playoff matches decided by penalties officially recorded as draws.

M = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost;

Name Nat Tenure M W D L Win % Notes
Brendan Burke  USA October 29, 2015 – February 12, 2020 133 40 33 57 30.1%
Sven Gartung  GER February 12, 2020 – August 5, 2020 5 0 1 4 0.0%
Marlon LeBlanc  USA August 5, 2020 – January 14, 2025 100 51 3 43 54.1% Interim coach through March 2, 2021[30][31]
Ryan Richter  USA January 15, 2025 – present 0 0 0 0 0.0%

Records

[edit]

Year-by-year

[edit]
Season League Position Playoffs Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name(s) Goals
2016 2 USL 30 6 14 10 32 43 -11 28 0.93 11th 25th DNQ DNQ 2,573 Ghana Derrick Jones
United States Ryan Richter 		5
2017 USL 32 12 12 8 46 45 +1 44 1.38 8th 17th Conference QF 3,052 Liberia Seku Conneh 10
2018 USL 34 14 12 8 56 41 +15 50 1.47 6th 14th Conference SF 2,347 Spain Santi Moar
Democratic Republic of the Congo Michee Ngalina 		6
2019 USLC 34 8 19 7 49 78 -29 31 0.91 16th 32nd DNQ 478 Cameroon Faris Moumbagna 11
2020 USLC 16 2 11 3 20 45 -25 9 0.56 16th 32nd DNQ N/A United States Jack McGlynn 5
2021 On Hiatus
2022 3 MLSNP 24 11 9 4 42 39 +3 40 1.67 3rd, Eastern 8th Conference SF DNQ N/A United States Chris Donovan 8

Honors

[edit]
  • MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference
    • Champions (Playoffs): 2024

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Philadelphia Union II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Philadelphia Union II is an American professional soccer team based in , that serves as the reserve affiliate of Major League Soccer's , competing in the league. Founded in 2015 as Bethlehem Steel FC in the United Soccer League Championship, the club rebranded to Philadelphia Union II ahead of the 2020 season to better align with its parent club's identity and development pathway, playing its home matches at . The team initially competed in the from 2016 to 2020, followed by an independent schedule in 2021, before joining as one of its 21 inaugural clubs in to provide a professional platform for young talent progression within the MLS ecosystem. , with a capacity of 18,500, has been the team's home venue since 2019, allowing it to train and play alongside the senior squad to foster integrated player development. Known for its "if you're good enough, you're old enough" philosophy, Union II emphasizes promoting prospects and young signings to the first team, with several players like and Mark McKenzie having made the leap in earlier years. In its history, Philadelphia Union II has achieved notable success in , including clinching its first trophy as the 2024 Eastern Conference Champions with a 4-0 victory over Columbus Crew 2 in the conference final. The 2025 season marked another milestone, as the team tied its club record with 15 regular-season wins, set new benchmarks with 64 goals scored and a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings, before advancing to the playoffs and reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the second consecutive year, where it fell 2-1 to on November 1, 2025. Under this structure, Union II continues to play a vital role in Philadelphia's youth-to-pro pipeline, contributing to the Union's reputation for homegrown talent development.

History

Origins and early years (2015–2018)

Bethlehem Steel FC was established in October 2015 by Major League Soccer's as a developmental affiliate to nurture young talent from the Union's academy and provide a professional pathway for emerging players. The name paid homage to the original Football Club, a dominant force in early American soccer founded in as part of the company's athletic program, which won multiple National Challenge Cup titles and helped build the sport's foundations in the United States. Wholly owned and operated by the Union, the new club aimed to bridge the gap between youth development and MLS competition while fostering soccer growth in the region of . The team played its home matches at Goodman Stadium on the campus of in , a 16,000-seat facility that offered a community-focused atmosphere for fans and players alike. Under head coach , Bethlehem Steel FC entered the —the second tier of American professional soccer—in 2016 for its inaugural season. The club competed in 30 regular-season matches, recording 8 wins, 4 draws, and 18 losses to earn 28 points and finish 10th in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs but gaining valuable experience in professional play. Notable performances included a 1-0 opening win against , highlighting the team's potential despite defensive challenges throughout the year. In 2017, Bethlehem Steel FC showed marked improvement, securing 12 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses for 42 points to claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference—the club's first postseason appearance. Forward Seku Conneh led the attack with 10 goals, including key strikes in conference quarterfinal victories over the before a 4-0 loss to top-seeded in the semifinals. The season underscored the team's growing cohesion, with strong away form contributing six road wins and demonstrating the benefits of deeper integration with the Union's first team. The 2018 campaign marked FC's strongest USL performance to date, with a record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses totaling 50 points and a sixth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The team advanced through the playoffs by defeating the in a dramatic in the quarterfinals, followed by a 2-0 semifinal win over the . However, they fell 2-0 to in the conference finals, ending their deepest postseason run. This success highlighted the club's role in player development, as academy products like defender and honed their skills with Steel FC before earning promotions and debuts with the first team—Trusty as a starting center back and Fontana as a homegrown attacking .

Rebranding and relocation (2019–2021)

In November 2018, the Philadelphia Union announced that their affiliate, , would relocate from , to , for the 2019 season, playing home matches at Talen Energy Stadium to enhance integration with the parent club's training facilities and scouting operations. The move was driven by the need for closer proximity to the Union's YSC Sports Complex in Chester, facilitating better player development and shared resources between the first team and reserves. The 2019 season marked Bethlehem Steel FC's first full campaign in Chester, where the team finished with a record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and 19 losses, accumulating 31 points and placing 16th in the Eastern Conference, missing the . Despite the challenges of the relocation, the season provided opportunities for young players to gain experience at the professional level, aligning with the Union's academy-focused philosophy. On December 12, 2019, the revealed plans to rebrand the USL team as Philadelphia Union II ahead of the 2020 season, aiming to more closely align the affiliate's identity with the parent club's branding and commitment to holistic player development. The rebranding emphasized the team's role as a direct extension of the Union's pathway for academy graduates, moving away from the historic FC name to reflect its roots and operational base in . The season was suspended in March due to the , with the league ultimately canceling the full regular season and playoffs. Philadelphia Union II participated in the league's abbreviated Fall Series, competing in a group-stage format without official standings or postseason implications; the team played seven matches in , , and , finishing with a 2-3-2 record in that tournament. These limited games allowed for continued player amid the disruptions, though the overall season's cancellation limited competitive opportunities. Following the Fall Series, Philadelphia Union II withdrew from the USL Championship on October 16, 2020, opting out of the 2021 season to focus on internal development rather than league affiliation. In 2021, the team did not participate in any competitive league play, instead prioritizing player loans to other clubs, academy integration, and ad hoc exhibition matches to maintain development momentum during the transitional hiatus. This period of non-affiliation enabled the Union to restructure the reserve team's operations in preparation for a new competitive framework, emphasizing long-term alignment with .

MLS Next Pro era (2022–present)

Philadelphia Union II entered the league as one of its inaugural members in 2022, marking a new chapter in the club's developmental efforts following its transition from the . In their debut season, the team compiled a record of 11 wins, 9 losses, and 4 ties, accumulating 40 points and securing a wild card berth in the as the Eastern Conference's top wild card team. However, they were eliminated in the conference quarterfinals by . The 2023 campaign showed steady improvement, with Union II finishing the regular season at 12-12-4 for 42 points, earning another wild card spot as the seventh seed in the East. They advanced through the wild card round but were ousted in the conference quarterfinals by . Off the field, the team emphasized youth development, boasting the youngest average age in the Eastern Conference at 20.8 years. In 2024, Union II achieved a , posting a 15-3-9 record (52 points) to finish second in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, highlighted by a league-high 59 goals scored. As the No. 2 seed, they navigated the playoffs successfully, defeating New York City FC II in the quarterfinals, in the semifinals on penalties, and Columbus Crew 2 4-0 in the conference final to claim the Eastern Conference championship. Their title run ended in the MLS Next Pro Cup final, where they fell 3-2 to Western Conference champion . The 2025 season represented a pinnacle of regular-season dominance for Union II, who tied their club record with 15 wins, 8 ties, and 5 losses for 58 points, securing second place in the East while scoring 64 goals, the third-most in the league, and conceding the second-fewest at 34. The attack was balanced, with goals coming from 18 different players, led by forward Stas Korzeniowski (11 goals) and Malik Jakupovic (8 goals). In the playoffs, seeded No. 2, they advanced to the Eastern Conference final with victories over and but lost 2-1 to . Defender Neil Pierre earned Defender of the Year honors for his contributions to the stingy backline. Throughout the MLS Next Pro era, Union II has solidified its role in the Philadelphia Union's player development pathway, successfully transitioning prospects to the first team. Notable examples include Cavan Sullivan, who signed a historic homegrown contract in 2024, debuted for the senior Union squad that year, and continued contributing for Union II in 2025 with 6 goals before further integration with the first team. This pipeline underscores the club's focus on nurturing homegrown talent for .

Identity

Colors and crest

Philadelphia Union II's primary colors are navy blue, gold, and red accents, drawing from the industrial heritage of the historic company and aligning with the 's established palette. These colors were established upon the team's founding as Bethlehem Steel FC in 2015 to honor both the Lehigh Valley's steelmaking legacy and the Union's revolutionary roots. The symbolism of the colors draws from the parent club and historical ties: navy blue and gold reflect the Philadelphia Union's palette, symbolizing strength and the uniforms of the Continental Army along with prosperity; red accents honor the original F.C. from the early . This palette unifies the club's visual identity across kits and branding, reinforcing its role as a bridge between regional history and modern professional soccer. The team's crest evolved alongside its identity. The original Bethlehem Steel FC badge, introduced in 2015, centered on a coiled —drawn from the Union's —wrapped around an iconic steel , symbolizing the fusion of the Union's vigilance with 's industrial might. Gold rivets detailed the design, representing the strong ties between the and franchises. In 2020, following the to Philadelphia Union II, the crest was updated to better integrate elements of the parent club's badge, including the coiled for vigilance and structural motifs evoking unity and development. This elongated design underscores the team's function as an extension of the Union's player pathway, maintaining the navy, gold, and red scheme while streamlining the overall aesthetic. Kits for Philadelphia Union II are manufactured by , the official supplier since 2016, ensuring consistency with the first team's apparel. As of , the home kit features a base with gold accents and the updated crest prominently displayed, while the away kit adopts a body with yellow detailing for contrast. The secondary kit introduces electric blue patterns with neon yellow bolts across the chest, symbolizing energy and dynamism in matches.

Sponsorship

Philadelphia Union II's primary shirt sponsorship is held by , which has featured the company's logo on the front of the team's jerseys since the 2023 renewal of the partnership with the broader organization. This multi-year agreement extends Bimbo branding, including subsidiaries like Thomas', across all club jerseys, encompassing Union II to support unified branding while allowing for targeted development funding. Earlier, in 2020, Sun East Federal Credit Union entered a multiyear partnership as Union II's official jersey sponsor upon the team's launch, highlighting the club's strategy for distinct commercial deals to bolster its independent operations. The team's kit manufacturer is , serving as the official supplier since Union II's inception and launching new home, away, and secondary kits annually in alignment with seasons. For the 2025 secondary kit, incorporated electric blue and yellow accents, with sponsor logos integrated into the design. Sleeve sponsorship transitioned to Independence Blue Cross in 2024, placing the insurer's logo on the right of uniforms as part of an expanded partnership across the Union ecosystem. Union II shares with the first team under a multi-year deal announced in 2020 with , which includes prominent branding throughout the 18,500-seat venue used for matches. These sponsorship arrangements contribute to the Union's overall revenue of $72 million in 2024, enabling targeted investments in Union II's player development without direct overlap with first-team commercial assets.

Facilities

Home stadium

Philadelphia Union II played its home matches from 2016 to 2018 at Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The facility, which opened in 1988, has a seating capacity of 16,000 and features a natural grass surface. In 2019, following the club's rebranding and relocation from Bethlehem, Philadelphia Union II shifted its home games to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, where it has played ever since. Subaru Park, a soccer-specific stadium that opened in 2010, has a capacity of 18,500 and a natural grass playing surface. Situated on the waterfront along the Delaware River, the venue is shared with the Philadelphia Union's Major League Soccer first team. Attendance at for Union II matches has varied, with averages in early seasons around 500 but increasing in recent years to the low thousands for regular-season games. Notable high-attendance fixtures include the November 2024 Eastern Conference Final against Columbus Crew 2, which drew 4,727 spectators.

Training facilities

Philadelphia Union II conducts its training at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, which houses the YSC Academy and is part of the Philadelphia Union's expansive campus in , since the team's rebranding and relocation in 2019. This state-of-the-art facility, integrated with the Union's Power Training Complex, spans over 32 acres adjacent to and serves as the primary hub for the reserve team's daily operations. The complex features eight outdoor fields, including multi-sport grass and turf surfaces suitable for matches and drills, alongside an indoor arena with a 115-by-70-yard turf field for year-round training. Additional amenities include a two-story performance center equipped with weight rooms and sprint tracks, video analysis rooms for tactical review, the KINETIC medical center for player health and recovery, and specialized spaces like the Striker Lab for technique refinement. These resources are designed specifically to support youth and reserve player development, fostering technical, physical, and mental growth within a professional environment. Prior to the 2019 rebranding from Steel FC, the team primarily trained at the Philadelphia Union's existing facilities in , with occasional sessions nearer to to align with its home matches at Goodman Stadium; the full relocation centralized all activities in to enhance integration with the parent club's infrastructure. The WSFS Bank Sportsplex setup also hosts matches across age groups, providing seamless pathways for young talents to progress to Union II and the first team while sharing resources like recovery areas and coaching staff. A $100 million expansion, which opened on July 17, 2025, further enhanced the campus with a 170,000 sq. ft. sports complex including an indoor 115x70-yard turf field and multisport courts, seven new outdoor fields, and a 70,000 sq. ft. support building dedicated to Union II's match preparation, solidifying its role as a comprehensive development center.

Club culture

Supporters groups

The primary organized for Philadelphia Union II is the Bridge Brigade, an independent fan collective formed in 2020 that emphasizes vocal support through chants at both matches. The group organizes in Section 104 of , using drums, flags, and coordinated songs to energize the crowd and build direct connections with players, including post-match traditions like offering "free hugs" with custom barrels. Union II's fanbase shows significant overlap with the Philadelphia Union's established supporters groups, such as the Sons of Ben and the East End Army—the latter originally formed to back the team's predecessor, Bethlehem Steel FC, in 2016. While these groups primarily focus on first-team matches, members often attend Union II games, blending their energy with the developmental squad's events; however, Union II maintains distinct tailgates led by the Bridge Brigade to foster a dedicated community atmosphere. Key traditions among Union II supporters include "Steel Army" chants that honor the club's historical ties to FC, evoking the industrial heritage of soccer. The overall matchday environment is notably , reflecting the team's youth development focus, with activities welcoming children and promoting inclusive participation in songs and celebrations. Since joining in 2022, Union II has seen substantial growth in its supporter base, with average home attendance reaching approximately 3,500 fans per match in 2025 and a corresponding rise in engagement. This expansion highlights the increasing appeal of the team's pathway to the and its role in nurturing local talent.

Rivalries

Philadelphia Union II's primary rivalry is with , known as the Keystone Derby, which originated in the era starting in 2016 and stems from the geographic proximity of the two Pennsylvania-based clubs. The competition intensified during Union II's time as FC, with matches often drawing significant attention due to the intrastate battle for regional supremacy. Riverhounds hold the edge in the all-time series with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses for Union II across 14 encounters, with the last match played in October 2020. Within the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference, Union II has developed heated rivalries with New York Red Bulls II and D.C. United II, fueled by frequent matchups and playoff clashes along the I-95 corridor. The I-95 derby against New York Red Bulls II has produced particularly intense encounters, including a 2-0 regular-season loss in August 2025 and a dramatic 2025 Eastern Conference Final where Red Bulls II came from behind to win 2-1 on November 1, ending Union II's season. Matches against D.C. United II have similarly been competitive, reflecting the broader first-team animosity between Philadelphia Union and D.C. United, with Union II securing key wins in conference play to advance in the standings. Historically, during the years from 2017 to 2018, Union II (as Bethlehem Steel FC) engaged in derbies against Penn FC, another club formerly known as the Harrisburg City Islanders, contributing to a pair of intrastate rivalries in the league. These matches, played amid the Keystone state's soccer landscape, often highlighted local talent development and regional pride, with Union II winning 1 of 4 encounters against Penn FC. A notable playoff example from Union II's tenure includes the 2024 Eastern Conference Final against 2, where Union II dominated with a 4-0 victory to advance to the league championship.

Players and staff

Current squad

As of November 2025, Philadelphia Union II maintains a 28-man active roster in , blending homegrown talents from the Union's academy, loans from the first team, and select international signings to foster development for the senior . The squad emphasizes youth, with an average age under 21, and features several players who contributed significantly to the team's 2025 campaign, including top scorers and award winners.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper corps featured Pierce Holbrook, who recorded 7 clean sheets in the 2025 season, and Oliver Semmle, who appeared in 17 matches with 4 clean sheets. Backing them up are prospects like Andrew Rick, an academy graduate eligible for first-team call-ups.

Defenders

Defenders form the backbone of the squad, with Neil Pierre earning Defender of the Year honors in 2025 for his 20 appearances (20 starts) and 4 goals. Other key contributors include Rafael Uzcátegui, an international signing from on a short-term deal, and center-back Kaiden Moore, acquired on loan from Atlanta United 2 in August 2025. Full-backs like Kellan LeBlanc, on loan from the Union first team, provide versatility.

Midfielders

The midfield features dynamic promoted talent Cavan Sullivan, the Union's youngest-ever signee at age 14 in 2024, who transitioned to a starting role in 2025 with 6 goals and 5 assists in 14 appearances (13 starts). Óscar Benítez, a 2025 international signing from , anchors the defensive midfield with his physicality. Homegrown players like Pierce Holbrook add depth, contributing to the team's possession-based style.

Forwards

Up top, Malik Jakupovic led the attack with 8 goals in the 2025 regular season. Stas Korzeniowski, a key contributor with 6 goals and 4 assists, exemplifies the homegrown pipeline after joining from the . Willyam Ferreira, on loan from the first team, provides pace as a winger. The roster includes a mix of contract types: approximately 18 homegrown players from the Union's academy, ensuring compliance with league development rules; 5-6 loans from the first team for match experience; and 4 international signings to add global flair. Notable recent additions in 2025 include Korzeniowski and Benítez, signed mid-season to bolster depth. Union II operates a no-show policy for players on the first-team roster or injured reserve, meaning talents like Sullivan may be unavailable for II matches when called up, maintaining a fluid depth chart of around 25 field players on any given weekend. This approach prioritizes player development across the Union's ecosystem.

Coaching staff

Philadelphia Union II's head coach is Ryan Richter, appointed on January 15, 2025, following his tenure as an assistant coach with the first team and as a former player who captained the club's reserve side, then known as Bethlehem Steel FC. Richter, a native and alumnus, emphasizes player development and tactical discipline in his approach. The assistant coaching staff includes Fred da Silva and Henry Apaloo, both announced on February 6, 2025, ahead of the season opener. Da Silva, a former Union with professional experience in MLS, , and , brings expertise from prior roles in the Union Academy at U-12, U-14, and Union 3 levels. Apaloo, previously of the Union Academy U-15s, has a background in player development, scouting, and analysis from stints with Atlanta United, , and U.S. universities. Ross Cain serves as goalkeeping coach, a position he has held since January 2024, focusing on technical and tactical growth for young keepers transitioning from the academy. Support staff plays a key role in athlete care and analysis, with Diego Parra as video coach and analyst, Eric Udelson as performance coach, and Andrew Vaccaro as equipment manager. This team integrates closely with the Academy under Director Jon Scheer, prioritizing seamless youth-to-professional pathways through shared resources and development protocols. In Richter's inaugural 2025 season, the staff guided Union II to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final, where they fell 2-1 to New York Red Bulls II on November 1, marking a historic campaign with club records for goals scored (64) and a tie for most wins (15).

Historical head coaches

The Philadelphia Union II, originally founded as Bethlehem Steel FC in 2016, appointed Brendan Burke as its inaugural head coach on October 29, 2015, ahead of the team's debut season in the USL Championship. Burke, a former assistant coach with the Philadelphia Union first team, guided the club through its formative years from 2016 to 2019, emphasizing player development and integration with the Union's academy system. Under his leadership, the team achieved its first playoff appearance in 2017, marking a significant milestone by improving from a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference the prior year to securing a postseason berth with a 9-14-5 record. In 2018, Burke's squad delivered the most successful campaign to that point, finishing fourth in the conference with a 15-7-6 record, winning their first playoff match, and advancing to the conference semifinals. Following Burke's departure to after the 2019 season, the club underwent a to Philadelphia Union II in 2020 and transitioned from the to starting in 2021, prompting several coaching changes amid organizational adjustments. Sven Gartung was named the second on February 12, 2020, bringing experience from coaching roles in and the U.S. academy system. His tenure proved brief, lasting only until , 2020, after a challenging start to the season exacerbated by the pandemic's disruptions; the team managed just 3 wins in 13 matches before Gartung and the club mutually parted ways. Marlon LeBlanc, previously the of the Union's U-17 academy team, stepped in as interim on August 5, 2020, and was promoted to the full-time role ahead of the 2021 season. LeBlanc's extended tenure from 2020 to 2024 stabilized the program during the league transition, fostering consistent player pathways to the first team while achieving playoff berths in multiple seasons. In 2022, Union II reached the Eastern Conference semifinals with an 11-9-6 record. The 2023 campaign showed further progress, with a 12-12-4 record that secured a seventh-place finish and playoff qualification in the competitive Eastern Conference. LeBlanc's impact culminated in 2024, when Union II captured the Eastern Conference Championship with a dominant 4-0 victory over 2 in the final, though they fell 3-2 to in the league's overall cup final; this marked the club's first trophy and highlighted LeBlanc's emphasis on youth development and tactical discipline.

Record and statistics

Season results

Philadelphia Union II, originally founded as Bethlehem Steel FC, competed in the from 2016 to 2020 before a one-year hiatus in 2021 and a transition to starting in 2022. The team's early seasons in USL were marked by gradual improvement, reaching the in three of five years, while in MLS Next Pro, it has established itself as a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference, qualifying for the postseason each year through 2025.
YearLeagueRegular season (W-D-L-PTS)PositionPlayoffsTop scorer (goals)
2016USL6-10-14-2811th EastDid not qualifyRyan Richter/Derrick Jones (5)
2017USL12-8-12-448th EastLost First Round (0-4 aggregate vs. )Seku Conneh (10)
2018USL14-8-12-506th EastLost Conference Semifinals (1-3 aggregate vs. )Santi Moar/Michee Ngalina (6)
2019USL8-7-19-3111th EastDid not qualifyFaris Pemi Moumbagna (10)
2020USL3-3-3-124th Group EastDid not qualify (shortened season)Eric Bird (4)
2021—Hiatus———
202211-9-4-403rd EastLost Conference Semifinals (0-1 vs. )Stefan Stojanovic (10)
202312-4-12-407th EastLost Conference Quarterfinals (2-3 vs. )Stefan Stojanovic (10)
202415-8-5-582nd EastEastern Conference Champions; Lost MLS Next Pro Cup Final (2-3 vs. )Eddy Davis III (15)
202515-8-5-582nd EastLost Conference Final (1-2 vs. )Stas Korzeniowski (12)
In the USL era, the team showed defensive solidity in but struggled with consistency , while the period has highlighted a potent attack led by products and loan players from the first team. Playoff appearances have become routine since 2022, with deep runs establishing Union II as one of the league's top developmental sides.

All-time records

Philadelphia Union II's all-time record reflects its evolution from the USL Championship's FC era to its current standing in , encompassing competitive play since 2016. In the from 2016 to 2020, the team played 139 matches, securing 43 wins, 36 draws, and 60 losses, while scoring approximately 150 goals and conceding 200 (exact GF/GA to be verified from official sources). Since transitioning to in 2022, the club has played 112 matches (2022-2025), with approximately 60 wins, 24 draws, 28 losses, 200+ goals scored, and 120 conceded (cumulative MLSNP stats as of end 2025). Overall, the team has achieved over 100 wins across its as of the end of 2025, with continued progression toward defensive solidity and offensive potency. Among career leaders, Irish midfielder James Chambers holds the distinction as the club's all-time top goalscorer with 16 goals (as of 2019), a mark he reached in his 100th appearance for the team on June 22, 2019, during a match against the . He overtook previous leader , who tallied 15 goals between 2016 and 2018. Chambers also leads in appearances with 100 matches during his tenure from 2016 to 2019. Other notable contributors include defender Matt Real, who made 57 appearances for Bethlehem Steel FC from 2016 to 2019 before transitioning to the first team. In more recent years, players like Stas Korzeniowski have emerged as key scorers, with 12 goals in the 2025 season contributing to his career total. Key milestones mark the club's journey, beginning with its inaugural victory on March 25, 2016—a 1-0 win over at Goodman Stadium, where scored the lone goal. The 2025 season featured defensive highlights, including a club-record low of 34 goals conceded in the regular season, contributing to multiple shutouts; homegrown defender Neil Pierre played a pivotal role, starting all 20 of his appearances and earning Defender of the Year honors for his contributions to this backline stability. Home and away splits reveal a consistent home-field advantage at (formerly Talen Energy Stadium during the early years), where the team has historically posted higher win percentages compared to road games. For instance, in the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, Union II won 9 of 16 home matches while maintaining 6 wins in 12 away fixtures, contributing to an overall points-per-game average of approximately 2.07. This disparity highlights the supportive environment at , as a factor in the club's cumulative success.

Honors

MLS Next Pro

'''Eastern Conference Champions'''
  • 2024

References

  1. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-usl-championship-team-to-rebrand-as-union-ii-35042
  2. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/stadium/about
  3. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/mls-next-pro-unveils-21-clubs-for-inaugural-season
  4. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/union-ii-shines-to-claim-first-trophy-in-club-history
  5. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/recap-union-ii-s-historic-season-concludes-in-eastern-conference-final
  6. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/community/bethlehem-steel-fc
  7. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/philadelphia-union-pay-homage-us-soccer-history-name-usl-club-bethlehem-steel-fc
  8. http://bethlehemsteelsoccer.org/
  9. https://lehighsports.com/facilities/goodman-stadium/1
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.us/usl-championship/startseite/wettbewerb/USL/saison_id/2015
  11. https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/855768
  12. https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/847302
  13. https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/806552
  14. https://fbref.com/en/squads/dd87c217/2018/c73/Bethlehem-Steel-FC-Stats-USL-Championship
  15. https://www.loucity.com/news/2018/10/27/recap-loucity-books-place-in-eastern-conference-finals-with-2-0-shutout-of-steel-fc/
  16. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/union-bearing-fruit-steel-fc-connections
  17. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2018/11/12/breaking-bethlehem-steel-fc-to-play-2019-season-in-chester/
  18. https://www.uslchampionship.com/bethlehem-steel-fc-standings-2019
  19. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/match-recap-faris-sets-club-record-as-bethlehem-steel-fc-falls-to-charlest-34613
  20. https://www.mcall.com/2019/12/12/bethlehem-steel-fc-not-returning-to-lehigh-valley-renamed-philadelphia-union-ii/
  21. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/results/_/id/18445/season/2020
  22. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/usl-championship-unveils-2020-season-format
  23. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/statement-philadelphia-union-ii-withdrawal-usl-championship
  24. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2021/12/21/a-summary-of-union-iis-2021-season/
  25. https://betsapi.com/t/327464/Philadelphia-Union-II
  26. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/union-ii-sees-mls-next-pro-playoff-run-conclude-in-toronto
  27. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/north-texas-sc-win-2024-mls-next-pro-cup-over-philadelphia-union-ii
  28. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/news/mls-next-pro-announces-2025-best-xi-and-individual-awards
  29. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-sign-academy-product-cavan-sullivan-record-homegrown-signing
  30. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/philadelphia-union-introduce-generational-talent-cavan-sullivan
  31. https://lvb.com/pro-soccer-team-unveils-name-logo-and-colors/
  32. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/otd-2009-philadelphia-union-revealed-world
  33. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2021/01/12/the-change-strip-rebranding-again/
  34. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/philadelphia-union-ii-2025-away-kit/352493/
  35. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/gallery-philadelphia-union-ii-all-new-2025-secondary-kit
  36. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-and-bimbo-bakeries-usa-renew-official-jersey-partnershi-x3694
  37. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-ii-names-sun-east-federal-credit-union-official-partner-35717
  38. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-independence-blue-cross-renew-partnership-sleeve-patch
  39. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-and-subaru-america-announce-stadium-naming-rights-partnership
  40. https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2025/02/21/the-most-valuable-mls-teams-2025/
  41. https://www.transfermarkt.us/philadelphia-union-ii/stadion/verein/51762
  42. https://media.subaru.com/pressrelease/1581/philadelphia-union-subaru-america-announce-stadium-naming-rights
  43. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2024/11/02/playoff-match-report-philadelphia-union-ii-4-0-columbus-crew-2/
  44. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/wsfs-bank-sportsplex/
  45. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/philadelphia-union-announce-100m-training-facility-expansion
  46. https://yscacademy.com/soccer-program/
  47. https://www.mcall.com/2017/03/23/bethlehem-steel-fc-moves-training-session-to-chester/
  48. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/academy/about
  49. https://philadelphiasoccernow.com/2024/03/17/bridge-brigade-bringing-fans-together-to-create-fun-atmosphere-at-union-ii-games/
  50. https://www.mcall.com/2016/04/04/bethlehem-steel-fc-the-return-of-soccer-royalty/
  51. https://phillysoccerpage.net/local-soccer/supporters-groups/
  52. https://www.transfermarkt.us/mlsnextpro/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/MNP3
  53. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/
  54. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/clubs/philadelphia-union-ii/
  55. https://www.transfermarkt.us/philadelphia-union-ii/bilanzdetail/verein/51762/wettbewerb_id//gegner_id/4290/saison_id//heim_gast//datum_von//datum_bis//day/0/land_id/0
  56. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/recap-union-ii-fall-to-rivals-new-york-red-bulls-ii
  57. https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/2/news/match-recap-new-york-red-bulls-ii-defeat-philadelphia-union-ii-2-1-to-earn-2025-mls-next-pro-playoffs-eastern-conference-title
  58. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/news/eastern-conference-final-i-95-rivalry-opens-new-chapter
  59. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/box-score-philadelphia-union-ii-4-columbus-crew-2-0
  60. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/roster/2025
  61. https://www.fotmob.com/leagues/10282/stats/season/1000000224/players/clean_sheet/team/722264/philadelphia-union-ii-loanteams
  62. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/players/oliver-semmle/
  63. https://www.statscrew.com/minorsoccer/roster/t-PHUII/y-2025
  64. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/players/neil-pierre/stats/
  65. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/philadelphia-union-ii-acquire-defender-kaiden-moore-on-loan-through-2025-season
  66. https://www.transfermarkt.us/philadelphia-union-ii/kader/verein/51762/saison_id/2025
  67. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/players/cavan-sullivan/stats/
  68. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2025/07/08/u-ii-2025-midseason-roster-analysis-midfielders/
  69. https://www.transfermarkt.us/philadelphia-union-ii/transfers/verein/51762
  70. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-announce-2025-roster-decisions
  71. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2025/02/20/the-2025-version-of-philadelphia-union-ii-as-of-february-19th/
  72. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/ryan-richter-named-philadelphia-union-ii-head-coach
  73. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/philadelphia-union-ii-announce-fred-da-silva-and-henry-apaloo-assistant-coaches
  74. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/technical-staff
  75. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/academy/news/philadelphia-union-academy-announces-staff-and-competition-details-ahead-of-2024-25-season
  76. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2015/10/28/brendan-burke-named-head-coach-of-bethlehem-steel-fc/
  77. https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/889800
  78. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-ii-announce-2020-coaching-staff-35452
  79. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-ii-and-head-coach-sven-gartung-agree-part-ways
  80. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/philadelphia-union-announce-technical-staff-changes
  81. https://www.brotherlygame.com/2020/2/12/21135094/philadelphia-union-announce-new-head-coach-for-usl-championship-squad
  82. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/union-ii-wins-mls-next-pro-eastern-conference-championship
  83. https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2016
  84. https://www.uslchampionship.com/stats/team_instance/1788659
  85. https://www.uslchampionship.com/bethlehem-steel-fc-player-stats-2017
  86. https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2018
  87. https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2019
  88. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/match-recap-faris-scores-10th-as-bethlehem-steel-fc-draws-1-1-at-ottawa-fu-34492
  89. https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2020
  90. https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/USA.USL.1/season/2020
  91. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/standings/2022/conference
  92. https://www.statscrew.com/minorsoccer/roster/t-PHUII/y-2023
  93. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/standings/2023/conference
  94. https://www.fotmob.com/leagues/10282/stats/season/25017/players/goals/team/722264/philadelphia-union-iiplayers
  95. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/standings/2024/conference
  96. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/youthful-union-ii-fall-to-north-texas-sc-in-2024-mls-next-pro-cup
  97. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/standings/2025/conference
  98. https://fbref.com/en/squads/dd87c217/history/Philadelphia-Union-II-Stats-and-History
  99. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/unionii/news/match-recap-james-chambers-becomes-club-s-all-time-leading-goal-scorer-as-31995
  100. https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/teams/722264/stats/philadelphia-union-ii
  101. https://www.brotherlygame.com/2022/3/4/22961460/full-circle-at-the-big-o-richter-returns-to-olympic-stadium-as-an-assistant-coach
  102. https://phillyleader.com/neil-pierre-named-inaugural-mls-next-pro-defender-of-the-year/
  103. https://footystats.org/clubs/philadelphia-union-ii-8044
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.