Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union II Communications
Out of the fifteen clubs in the MLS NEXT Pro’s 2024 Eastern Conference, nine had announced their end-of-season roster decisions by the first full week of January 2025. The delay by Union II is likely a result of Jim Curtin’s departure. It is only fair to give new head coach Bradley Carnell the opportunity to share his comments, despite the tight timeframe created by the mid-January start date.
Philadelphia Union II announced their plans on Monday, January 6, becoming the tenth club to do so.
The announcement is clear and concise, focusing only on the contracts of the 10 players for 2024. Below, we summarize the key points and include the current ages and positions of each player. Each category is presented in a horizontal format (please note that any typos are intentional for layout purposes). Click here to see the original announcement. Further discussion follows.
| 25 Contracts Guaranteed |
Neil Pierre |
FrankWestfield |
SalOlivas |
JoseRiasco |
| RCB, 17.2 |
LB. 19.1 |
S, 18.5 |
S, 20.9 |
| ’25 Options exercised |
Mike Sheridan |
Leandro Soria |
|
|
| GK, 23.4 |
S, 20.2 |
| ’25 Options declined |
RandyMeneses |
Carlos Rojas |
GioSequera |
|
| DM, 20.7 |
CB, 21.0 |
RM, 18.9 |
| ’25 Out of Contract |
Kyle Tucker |
|
|
|
| M, 25.5 |
| Negotiations on-going |
Gio Sequera |
Kyle Tucker |
|
|
| RM, 18.9 |
M, 25.5 |
Union II’s roster page now lists eight players, including Sequera and Tucker. Click here.
Discussion
An unofficial but usually reliable internet source, specifically Jose Roberto Nunez, says both Frank Westfield and Neil Pierre have become Homegrown players as of January 1, 2025. (A Homegrown player is by definition on the first team.)
Ernst Tanner has said in so many words that Sal Olivas will practice with the first team to evaluate where he is in terms of his development and determine his future needs. We are confident there is an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in his future.
Metropolitanos FC of Venezuela’s topflight may have wanted too much money for midfielder Gio Sequera’s contract, and Tanner is negotiating them down.
In September, Sequera was called up to Venezuela’s full national side, which we assume is for practice and evaluation, so the price will not be low. He has the mentality to play high pressure soccer and improved his understanding of its cues as the Union II season progressed. We expect Philadelphia to buy him and add him to Union II for 2025.
Striker Leandro Soria joined the team mid-season from the second team of Argentina’s Godoy Cruz. According to Transfermarkt, the Union may have a second option for his loan, in addition to the one that has just been exercised. This makes sense, especially considering his limited English skills upon arrival. Soria proved to be a valuable substitute, earning the Player of the Match title for scoring two goals in a 3-2 comeback against Chicago, which ended a mid-summer losing streak. He is expected to return in 2025 for further English lessons.
We believe that the Union exercised its option to purchase center back Carlos Rojas at the end of 2024, even though no official announcement clarified this detail. We suspect they also had an option on him for 2025. However, he has been surpassed by younger, better players, particularly Homegrowns Pierre and Pariano.
Goalkeeper Mike Sheridan is not being considered for promotion to the first team. However, he is capable of stepping in for Andrew Rick on the second team when Rick is unavailable. During practices, Sheridan demonstrates a commanding presence. Additionally, his role on the second-team bench during games enables Academy goalkeepers to receive the necessary developmental playing time on Academy pitches.
The fact that striker Jose Riasco’s 2025 contract is guaranteed brings the discussion to a close in some ways. We believe his time with the Philadelphia organization should come to an end. He continues to lack the mentality needed to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced soccer. Additionally, he doesn’t possess what Earnie Stewart referred to as the “engine.”
The contrast between Riasco and fellow striker substitute Leandro Soria is striking. In 16 appearances during one MLS Next Pro season, Soria has scored three goals and provided one assist. More importantly, he has consistently shown a willingness to play high-pressure defense from the outset. In contrast, Riasco has made 28 appearances over two seasons, scoring just four goals and contributing three assists. Defense remains an obstacle to his instinctive playing style, a shortcoming we’ve observed since he was 18 and that has persisted for nearly three years.
This experiment has failed because Riasco’s mindset has not evolved. He is being given one final chance in an extraordinary display of patience by the Union organization.
Midfielder Kyle Tucker is the most accurate free-kick specialist on the team and a valuable presence during practice. However, he is currently out of contract and may not earn much while playing for Union II. Tucker is a versatile player who positively influences the younger members of the squad, resembling a more refined version of former Bethlehem Steel FC captain James Chambers. He might be on the path to a coaching career.
Remaining questions
- What is Eddy Davis’s status?
- What is Marlon LeBlanc’s new assignment?
Appendix
The following chart and its subsequent discussion covers all those who played for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Eastern conference champions.
| MLS players |
Academy amateurs |
Union II players |
| These players are on guaranteed 2025 1stteam contracts |
The amateurs play on “zero-dollar contracts” that pre-serve their amateur status. |
We know no details of Union II contracts. |
| Player |
Player |
Grad Yr |
Player |
Age |
| Nick Pariano |
Eddy Davis |
Grad 24 |
Neil Pierre |
17.2 |
| Markus Anderson |
Gavin Wetzel |
2025 |
Frank Westfield |
19.1 |
| Olwethu Makhanya |
Zach Mastrodimos |
2025 |
Sal Olivas |
18.5 |
| Andrew Rick |
Diego Rocio |
2025 |
Gio Sequera |
18.9 |
| David Vazquez |
Henry Bernstein |
2025 |
Leandro Soria |
20.2 |
| CJ Olney |
Kellen LeBlanc |
2026 |
Carlos Rojas |
20.9 |
| Cavan Sullivan |
Jamir Johnson |
2026 |
Mike Sheridan |
23.4 |
|
|
|
Jose Riasco |
20.9 |
|
|
|
Randy Meneses |
20.7 |
|
|
|
Kyle Tucker |
25.4 |
The MLS players above are known to be first-teamers in 2025. They will play for Union II in 2025, depending on their developmental needs. However, with a new head coach for the first team, it is difficult to predict their development patterns. We suspect that Coach Carnell will likely use first-team minutes to provide opportunities for these young players to prove themselves, unlike Jim Curtin, who wanted them to demonstrate their capabilities before receiving first-team minutes. We will focus on Andrew Rick and Nick Pariano, as the other players will not be discussed further. Both Rick and Pariano urgently need more experience in their respective positions.
Except for Andrew Rick and Nick Pariano, we will not discuss these players further. Rick and Pariano both need further experience at their positions with some urgency.
- Rick needs the minutes because he is a goalkeeper. How much does he learn from touching the ball once in a 45-minute half dominated by his own team’s possession and pressure?
- Pariano has played only a dozen or so matches at his new position. He needs repetitions and greater breadth of experiences.
As of now, it appears that all Academy Amateurs will be part of the academy in 2025, except for Davis, who graduated in June 2024 but continued playing for Union II until the end of the season.
During the Sporting Director’s end-of-season press conference, Ernst Tanner was specifically asked about Davis. He mentioned that Davis would be brought up to practice with the first team to evaluate his progress, alongside Sal Olivas. Tanner cautioned that the level of physicality faced by strikers in MLS is significantly greater than what players experience in MLS NEXT Pro, where Davis set a record for the most goals scored in a single season (13) while playing for Union II.
Historically, it has taken attacking players from the second team, such as the Aaronson brothers, time to make an impact with the first team—often more than one season. Tanner’s comments imply that both Davis and Olivas are expected to remain with the team in the future, suggesting that Davis is likely to sign a professional contract at some point this offseason, possibly as a professional with Union II due to roster space considerations. It’s worth noting that other clubs may be showing interest in him.
Another player who is likely to sign a new professional contract is right back Gavin Wetzel, who is currently a senior at YSC Academy and is expected to graduate in June 2025. Unlike Davis, Gavin may not be signed as quickly since he is still in school, which allows him to sign zero-dollar contracts that would enable him to play alongside professionals.
The other amateurs mentioned are not as far along in the evaluation process, and some are younger, so decisions regarding their futures are not as pressing. Diego Rocio played mainly for Union III under coach Fred da Silva last fall. It remains unclear where he will end up once new team assignments are announced.
Zach Mastrodimos has the versatility to switch between outside back and defensive midfielder positions in the academy. He has logged 45 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro to assess areas for improvement. Henry Bernstein consistently practiced with Union II last fall but did not receive significant playing time, primarily training with coach da Silva and Union III.
Attacking midfielder Kellen LeBlanc and striker/midfielder Jamir Johnson are both academy juniors, not seniors, which means they have another full season ahead of them. Each has already received several starts, consistent appearances, and considerable playing time. They are expected to play major roles for Union II in 2025, contributing alongside the Homegrown teenage trio in the midfield: Sullivan, Olney, and Vazquez.
Union II end-of-season roster decisions discussed.
Posted by Tim Jones on January 9, 2025 at 9:00 amPhoto courtesy Philadelphia Union II Communications
Out of the fifteen clubs in the MLS NEXT Pro’s 2024 Eastern Conference, nine had announced their end-of-season roster decisions by the first full week of January 2025. The delay by Union II is likely a result of Jim Curtin’s departure. It is only fair to give new head coach Bradley Carnell the opportunity to share his comments, despite the tight timeframe created by the mid-January start date.
Philadelphia Union II announced their plans on Monday, January 6, becoming the tenth club to do so.
The announcement is clear and concise, focusing only on the contracts of the 10 players for 2024. Below, we summarize the key points and include the current ages and positions of each player. Each category is presented in a horizontal format (please note that any typos are intentional for layout purposes). Click here to see the original announcement. Further discussion follows.
Union II’s roster page now lists eight players, including Sequera and Tucker. Click here.
Discussion
An unofficial but usually reliable internet source, specifically Jose Roberto Nunez, says both Frank Westfield and Neil Pierre have become Homegrown players as of January 1, 2025. (A Homegrown player is by definition on the first team.)
Ernst Tanner has said in so many words that Sal Olivas will practice with the first team to evaluate where he is in terms of his development and determine his future needs. We are confident there is an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in his future.
Metropolitanos FC of Venezuela’s topflight may have wanted too much money for midfielder Gio Sequera’s contract, and Tanner is negotiating them down.
In September, Sequera was called up to Venezuela’s full national side, which we assume is for practice and evaluation, so the price will not be low. He has the mentality to play high pressure soccer and improved his understanding of its cues as the Union II season progressed. We expect Philadelphia to buy him and add him to Union II for 2025.
Striker Leandro Soria joined the team mid-season from the second team of Argentina’s Godoy Cruz. According to Transfermarkt, the Union may have a second option for his loan, in addition to the one that has just been exercised. This makes sense, especially considering his limited English skills upon arrival. Soria proved to be a valuable substitute, earning the Player of the Match title for scoring two goals in a 3-2 comeback against Chicago, which ended a mid-summer losing streak. He is expected to return in 2025 for further English lessons.
We believe that the Union exercised its option to purchase center back Carlos Rojas at the end of 2024, even though no official announcement clarified this detail. We suspect they also had an option on him for 2025. However, he has been surpassed by younger, better players, particularly Homegrowns Pierre and Pariano.
Goalkeeper Mike Sheridan is not being considered for promotion to the first team. However, he is capable of stepping in for Andrew Rick on the second team when Rick is unavailable. During practices, Sheridan demonstrates a commanding presence. Additionally, his role on the second-team bench during games enables Academy goalkeepers to receive the necessary developmental playing time on Academy pitches.
The fact that striker Jose Riasco’s 2025 contract is guaranteed brings the discussion to a close in some ways. We believe his time with the Philadelphia organization should come to an end. He continues to lack the mentality needed to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced soccer. Additionally, he doesn’t possess what Earnie Stewart referred to as the “engine.”
The contrast between Riasco and fellow striker substitute Leandro Soria is striking. In 16 appearances during one MLS Next Pro season, Soria has scored three goals and provided one assist. More importantly, he has consistently shown a willingness to play high-pressure defense from the outset. In contrast, Riasco has made 28 appearances over two seasons, scoring just four goals and contributing three assists. Defense remains an obstacle to his instinctive playing style, a shortcoming we’ve observed since he was 18 and that has persisted for nearly three years.
This experiment has failed because Riasco’s mindset has not evolved. He is being given one final chance in an extraordinary display of patience by the Union organization.
Midfielder Kyle Tucker is the most accurate free-kick specialist on the team and a valuable presence during practice. However, he is currently out of contract and may not earn much while playing for Union II. Tucker is a versatile player who positively influences the younger members of the squad, resembling a more refined version of former Bethlehem Steel FC captain James Chambers. He might be on the path to a coaching career.
Remaining questions
Appendix
The following chart and its subsequent discussion covers all those who played for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Eastern conference champions.
The MLS players above are known to be first-teamers in 2025. They will play for Union II in 2025, depending on their developmental needs. However, with a new head coach for the first team, it is difficult to predict their development patterns. We suspect that Coach Carnell will likely use first-team minutes to provide opportunities for these young players to prove themselves, unlike Jim Curtin, who wanted them to demonstrate their capabilities before receiving first-team minutes. We will focus on Andrew Rick and Nick Pariano, as the other players will not be discussed further. Both Rick and Pariano urgently need more experience in their respective positions.
Except for Andrew Rick and Nick Pariano, we will not discuss these players further. Rick and Pariano both need further experience at their positions with some urgency.
As of now, it appears that all Academy Amateurs will be part of the academy in 2025, except for Davis, who graduated in June 2024 but continued playing for Union II until the end of the season.
During the Sporting Director’s end-of-season press conference, Ernst Tanner was specifically asked about Davis. He mentioned that Davis would be brought up to practice with the first team to evaluate his progress, alongside Sal Olivas. Tanner cautioned that the level of physicality faced by strikers in MLS is significantly greater than what players experience in MLS NEXT Pro, where Davis set a record for the most goals scored in a single season (13) while playing for Union II.
Historically, it has taken attacking players from the second team, such as the Aaronson brothers, time to make an impact with the first team—often more than one season. Tanner’s comments imply that both Davis and Olivas are expected to remain with the team in the future, suggesting that Davis is likely to sign a professional contract at some point this offseason, possibly as a professional with Union II due to roster space considerations. It’s worth noting that other clubs may be showing interest in him.
Another player who is likely to sign a new professional contract is right back Gavin Wetzel, who is currently a senior at YSC Academy and is expected to graduate in June 2025. Unlike Davis, Gavin may not be signed as quickly since he is still in school, which allows him to sign zero-dollar contracts that would enable him to play alongside professionals.
The other amateurs mentioned are not as far along in the evaluation process, and some are younger, so decisions regarding their futures are not as pressing. Diego Rocio played mainly for Union III under coach Fred da Silva last fall. It remains unclear where he will end up once new team assignments are announced.
Zach Mastrodimos has the versatility to switch between outside back and defensive midfielder positions in the academy. He has logged 45 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro to assess areas for improvement. Henry Bernstein consistently practiced with Union II last fall but did not receive significant playing time, primarily training with coach da Silva and Union III.
Attacking midfielder Kellen LeBlanc and striker/midfielder Jamir Johnson are both academy juniors, not seniors, which means they have another full season ahead of them. Each has already received several starts, consistent appearances, and considerable playing time. They are expected to play major roles for Union II in 2025, contributing alongside the Homegrown teenage trio in the midfield: Sullivan, Olney, and Vazquez.
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