Philadelphia Union II has secured a place in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The team clinched its postseason spot following a win against FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday evening.
With this achievement, Philadelphia Union II becomes only the second team to reach the playoffs in every season since MLS NEXT Pro was established. St. Louis CITY SC 2 is the other club to have done so in the Western Conference.
The team has continued its approach of developing young players, maintaining the youngest average age in the league throughout the season. Head Coach Ryan Richter, in his first year with Union II, has used 30 different players across league matches and implemented many unique starting lineups.
Despite changes and challenges during the season, including starting without a loss for three months and going on another long unbeaten streak after their first defeat, Union II has maintained strong performance. Thirteen players signed to Major League Soccer contracts have contributed to Union II’s campaign this year. The team currently holds the best defensive record in MLS NEXT Pro and leads its conference with a +23 goal differential.
The club’s academy system has also played an important role this season, with three new professionals joining in 2025. Among them is Malik Jakupovic, who scored in each of his first five professional games and now leads the team with seven goals. Kellan LeBlanc has become a regular starter with three goals and three assists, while Willyam Ferreira recorded his first professional assist over ten appearances.
“Union II officially clinched its spot into the postseason on Sunday evening courtesy of their X-X victory on the road at FC Cincinnati 2.”
“With the spot secured, Philly is just the second team to make the postseason in all four years of MLS NEXT Pro history with St. Louis CITY SC 2 having already secured their Western Conference spot.”
“The Boys in Blue have done it all season showcasing the club’s Player Pathway philosophy with the youngest average age in the entire league.”
“Despite a preceived lack of experience and pressure after making it all the way to the MLS NEXT Pro Final a year ago, the youthful Union have made diamonds under pressure time and time again.”
“Under the direction of first-year Head Coach Ryan Richter, Union II have had 30 different players appear in a league match this season and have had to countless unique starting lineups.”
“That didn’t stop the club as they opened the season without a loss for the first three months of the year.”
“After that first loss they fought back with vengeance, going on another long-unbeaten streak that nearly reached double digits.”
“Acting as proving ground for Union organization, 13 MLS signed players have suited up for Union II and made impacts.”
“With so many changes, The Union philosophy and style of play continues to be successful as Boys In Blue have best defense in MLS Next Pro & sport conference best +23 goal differential”
“The highly touted Union Academy has fueled another youth movement with three promising prospects turning pro in 2025 & have delivered.”
“16-year-old Malik Jakupovic took league by storm by scoring in first five games of his professional career & now leads squad w/ seven goals thus far”
“Kellan LeBlanc is constant starter w/three goals & three assists his first full season as starer for team while Willyam Ferreira has continued develop w/10 appearances & his first professional assist.”
