Philly Leader

The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season has concluded, but Philadelphia Union II is gearing up for its playoff campaign, which begins Sunday evening at Subaru Park. As the team prepares for the upcoming match, excitement is building in Chester following the announcement that two of their players have been named to the league's 2024 Best XI.

Philadelphia Union Academy products CJ Olney and Frankie Westfield have earned spots on this prestigious list. To mark this achievement, both players received custom jerseys with 'Best XI' emblazoned on them.

Olney expressed his delight upon receiving the news from second team Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc and first team Head Coach Jim Curtin. "It feels awesome. It’s something I've thought about since the start of the season," he said. Olney emphasized his commitment to performing well for himself and his team throughout the season.

With six assists and eight goals over 1867 minutes played, Olney attributed much of his success to his teammates. "Everyone is really close together on and off the field... Just bringing together the group has been awesome, and it's helped me perform well on the field," he stated.

Westfield, who serves as vice captain at just 17 years old, was away at a United States Youth National Team U-20 camp when the announcement was made. Despite Westfield's absence, Olney acknowledged his teammate's accomplishment: "Frankie and I run the left side all season, and to be able to share this with him is awesome."

Both players are set to continue contributing to their team's efforts as they enter postseason play.