Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union is set to begin its 2025 Major League Soccer regular season with an away match against Orlando City SC. The game is scheduled for Saturday night, with kick-off at 7:30 PM ET. Fans can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or listen via the 97.5 The Fanatic app and website.

The starting lineup for Philadelphia Union includes Andre Blake as goalkeeper, along with Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, and Frankie Westfield in defense. The midfield will feature Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Quinn Sullivan, and Daniel Gazdag. Upfront are Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo.

On the bench are Andrew Rick, Ian Glavinovich, Neil Pierre, Olivier Mbaizo, Jesus Bueno, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan, and Chris Donovan.

Notably making their first appearances for the team are homegrown defenders Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre. They have been included in the matchday roster after signing short-term agreements for this game. Olwethu Makhanya also earns his first start alongside Westfield and Jovan Lukic.

Frankie Westfield becomes the club's 15th homegrown player to make a start and only the 10th to do so in a season opener. He follows other notable players like Derrick Jones (2017), Anthony Fontana (2018 and 2021), Auston Trusty (2018 and 2019), Brendan Aaronson (2020), Mark McKenzie (2020), Matt Real (2020), Nathan Harriel (2024), Jack McGlynn (2024), Quinn Sullivan (2024 and 2025).

Andre Blake will be making his milestone 300th appearance for Philadelphia Union across all competitions tonight.

This match marks Bradley Carnell's debut as head coach of Philadelphia Union. Historically in season openers, the Union holds a record of seven wins, four losses, and four draws. In their previous season opener in 2024 against Chicago Fire FC they achieved a 2-2 draw.