Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Coach Bradley Carnell started an unorthodox eleven in the Philadelphia Union’s first competitive match of 2026. Already dealing with a few knocks, visa issues, and an MLS opener three days later, the Boys in Blue took to the pitch with one player featuring for the first time in the first team (Stas Korzeniowski), another in his Union debut (Ezekiel Alladoh) and third at a completely new position (Jeremy Rafanello). The Union still ran out 5-0 winners on the road. Here are the ratings.

Player Ratings

GK Andrew Rick – 7/10

A quiet but professional night. Rarely tested due to Union dominance, he stayed sharp and commanded his box well to preserve the clean sheet. Originally given a 6, I bumped him for a great save on a play that would not have counted for offside, but was still a magnificent stop.

LB Frankie Westfield – 7/10

Comfortable in possession and rarely troubled by Defence Force’s attack. Good positioning and distribution helped the Union control tempo. It is too much to expect Westfield to fully fill Kai Wagner’s shoes, but he sent a perfect ball across for Alladoh to head home a goal. 

CB Nate Harriel – 7/10

Steady at left center back. Provided width when needed and handled transitions comfortably. Not spectacular, but efficient and composed.

CB Olwethu Makhanya – 8/10 

Strong defensively and dangerous on set pieces. Scored with a great well-timed header and looked physically dominant throughout.

RB Jeremy Rafanello – 7/10

I admit I was not thrilled when I starting the XI. But “Rafa” balanced defensive duties with forward movement. Combined well in wide areas and helped stretch the field.

DM Jesús Bueno – 7/10

Quietly effective. Shielded the back line and recycled possession efficiently. Helped control the rhythm of the match. Probably deserves a half point higher, but I don’t award half points.

DM Danley Jean Jacques – 7/10
Energetic and disciplined. Broke up play and supported attacking sequences. A strong two-way performance.

AM Alejandro Bedoya – 6/10
His veteran presence showed on the field as he organized pressing and movement, contributing leadership and structure in midfield. Was not on the ball much.

AM Milan Iloski – 9/10

The best player on the field. Scored a superb free kick and added an assist. Constant attacking threat and central to Union creativity. I was disappointed he did not start at striker, but that disappointment waned as the game went on and Iloski ruled the forward third.

FWD Stas Korzeniowski – 6/10

A solid, steady performance in his Union debut, Korzeniowski played his role effectively and contributed where needed. Almost scored at the near post on a set piece from the corner.

FWD Ezekiel Alladoh – 8/10

Outstanding debut performance. Scored with a composed and commanding header and was lively on the right flank. Direct, confident and impactful.

Substitutes:

(65’) FWD Bruno Damiani – 8/10

Clinical finishing with two goals (one of which was a penalty). Intelligent movement and strong presence in the box.

(65’) AM Cavan Sullivan – 7/10

Recorded his first career assist and looked sharp in limited minutes. Showed composure and attacking vision. In addition to his assist, Sullivan won a penalty and his speedy breakaway in injury time led to a red card on Defence Force’s Shirwin Noel.

(65’) CB Japhet Sery – 6/10

A likely starting CB as the season progresses, Sery looked strong in his 35 minutes on the field.

(73’) CB Finn Sundstrom – 6/10

The 19-year old looked poised and played a solid 20 minutes.

(82′) Indiana Vassilev – 6/10

I was going to leave Vassilev unranked, but his defense of Sullivan at the match’s end warranted a ranking.

Geiger Counter

REF Reno Radix – 8/10

Radix called a good match, using frequent yellow cards to keep things from getting out of control. Used VAR to correct his non-penalty call.

Player of the Match – Milan Iloski

Fairly dominating in the midfield, Iloski’s free kick from nineteen yards out – over the wall and under the bar, into the net – was beautiful. Also tallied an assist. Is terrific with the ball at his feet.

What’s Next…

The Union travel to Audi Field in Washington D.C. to face D.C. United and Tai Baribo in their MLS opener on Saturday. Apple TV. 7:30 p.m.