Photograph courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

The Philadelphia Union academy has long been regarded as one of the best in the nation, and this month’s USMNT roster provided further proof of its strength and depth. Eight players on the USA’s twenty-seven man roster spent time in the Union academy, including seven players who went on to play for the Union first team. This roster will be largely the same as the one Mauricio Pochettino takes to the Gold Cup this summer, so all of these players will have a huge chance to make an impression on the national team heading into the home World Cup next year. Let’s take a quick look at where things stand for these eight academy products.

Matt Freese, Philadelphia Union Academy 2016-2017, Philadelphia Union 2019-2022, 0 US Caps

Matt Freese served as an able backup to Andre Blake for four seasons, playing well the few times he was called upon, including in the 2020 victory over the New England Revolution which clinched the Union’s first and only Supporter’s Shield. Stuck behind Blake, Freese made the switch to NYCFC, where he has been among the best shot-stoppers in MLS over the past two seasons.

Zack Steffen, Philadelphia Union Academy 2012, 30 US Caps

Zack Steffen was briefly a member of the Philadelphia Union academy way back in 2012 after spending multiple years with FC DELCO, but never signed for the first team before leaving for Europe. Steffen has had a whirlwind career since then, including winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2018 with the Columbus Crew, serving as Ederson’s backup at Manchester City for two seasons, and a return to MLS with the Colorado Rapids in 2024.

Nathan Harriel, Philadelphia Union Academy 2018-2020, Philadelphia Union 2021-Present, 0 US Caps

The versatile Nathan Harriel is one of two current Union players to receive a call-up, alongside Quinn Sullivan. Harriel’s steady play in MLS, combined with some impressive performances with the US youth national teams over the years, earned him his first call-up to the national team for January camp earlier this year. Although he faces stiff competition at right-back, I’d keep an eye out for Harriel as an outside center-back if Pochettino decides to line up with a back three.

Mark McKenzie, Philadelphia Union Academy 2015-2016, Philadelphia Union 2018-2020, 19 US Caps

Long on the periphery of the national team, Mark McKenzie is looking to stake a claim to the unsettled center-back position. McKenzie was named to the MLS Best XI in 2020 after helping the Union to the Supporter’s Shield. Since then, McKenzie made over 100 appearances for Genk in Belgium before securing a move to Toulouse in Ligue 1 last summer, where he stepped in immediately as a locked-in starter.

Brenden Aaronson, Philadelphia Union Academy 2015-2018, Philadelphia Union 2019-2020, 47 US Caps

The elder Aaronson brother has had an up-and-down career since leaving the Union for Europe. While his first stint in Leeds was less than stellar, Aaronson was a solid starter for the English club this season, making 43 starts as Leeds dominated the Championship en route to promotion back to the Premier League. He is one of the more experienced players on the roster this summer.

Paxten Aaronson, Philadelphia Union Academy 2015-2020, Philadelphia Union 2021-2022, 1 US Cap

It feels like we hardly got to know the younger Aaronson before he set off for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. After a few good seasons developing on loan in the Eredevisie, Paxten Aaronson will look to build momentum this summer ahead of his return to Frankfurt, who qualified for the Champions League next year.

Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union Academy 2019-2020, Philadelphia Union 2021-2024, 4 US Caps

Jack McGlynn and his magical left foot were transferred to Houston this offseason in a big-money move, and after a shaky start to the season, McGlynn has settled in well with the more possession-based team. This summer will offer a huge chance for McGlynn to answer questions about whether he has the athleticism and defensive prowess to take his game to a higher level.

Quinn Sullivan, Philadelphia Union Academy 2016-2019, Philadelphia Union 2021-Present, 0 US Caps

Quinn Sullivan has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 MLS season, and has turned his excellent play for the Union into his first-ever national team call-up. Sullivan’s motor and aggression are exactly what Pochettino seems to be looking for, and given the dearth of attacking options on the wing on this roster, there is a real chance for Sullivan to impress.