Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Defence Force FC

What: Concacaf Champions Cup, 2nd Leg (Union lead 5-0 after Leg One)

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

When: Thursday, February 26, 7:00 PM EST

Watch: ConcacafGo, OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

Whistle: N/A

The Union will look to see out their CONCACAF Champions Cup first round tie against Defense Force, Trinidad and Tobago’s record champions, after a 5-0 thrashing in the away leg. New signing Ezekial Alladoh opened his account for the club in the first leg last week, and Bruno Damiani bagged a brace. 

In recent years, the Boys in Blue have made deep runs in this competition, reaching the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals once since 2021, a trend they will look to continue.

Led by head coach Bradley Carnell in his second season at the helm, the Union were shutout in a 1-0 road loss to DC United in their MLS opener. Former Union striker Tai Baribo scored the lone goal. 

Scouting Report: Defence Force FC

Although still undefeated and top of the table at home in Trinidad and Tobago, Defense Force have quite a hole to climb out of in this one. Not only were they battered 5-0 in front of their own fans, but experienced and talented Joevin Jones was dealt a red card, which rules him out for this second leg. 

With a 42-13 goal difference in league play, this team can score goals. There’s no doubt about that. Can they do it in the frigid cold of Philadelphia without one of their better attacking threats and against an MLS side known for its defensive skill? That answer is different. 

This is a team originally based around Army Soldiers and other service members, though, so maybe they’re tougher than people think. They certainly won’t back down from a challenge or confrontation, i.e., Jones’ dismissal. 

There were moments of promise in the first leg, but Defense Force are gonna need more than just a few moments of promise. If Philadelphia does roll out a weaker lineup, then there’s room for these in-form (domestically, at least) attackers to break loose and make this a competitive tie. 

Injury Report: N/A

Disciplinary Report: Joevin Jones – Suspended

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

After a dominant 5-0 win in the first leg to open their 2026 competitive season, the Union went on the road and lost 1-0 to DC at the weekend. Now, Carnell’s side needs to bounce back into the win column with this tie pretty much wrapped up. Their next match after this one comes on Sunday at home against NYCFC, meaning any usual starter who gets solid minutes in this one will be on short rest for the weekend. That being said, it is a perfect time for Carnell to test his depth and youngsters early in the year.

Philly ran wild in the first leg, scoring five times through four different guys, had nine shots on target to Defense Force’s four overall, kept the ball a lot, and created plenty with it. Andrew Rick got the start in goal as it seems like he might for the entirety of this competition, and, while only having to make one save, looked really good with his distribution. 

Jeremy Rafanello started and played well at right-back, while usual right-back, Nathan Harriel, got solid minutes at center-back. Defender Finn Sundstrom got a few minutes, as well as 45 against DC as a replacement for Frankie Westfield, but was not impressive in either. This match is a perfect time for Rafanello and Sundstrom to get legit time in their new defensive roles.

Stas Korzeniowski and Agustin Anello, both attackers, have seen time over the first two games. Stas played very well against Defense Force, and could use another full run-out to prove to Carnell that he deserves consistent looks this year. Anello played an okay half-hour against DC, but a legitimate chance against weaker opposition could be big to get him going. 

It feels obvious to say, but Carnell can, should, and honestly needs to use this game as a true test of what Cavan Sullivan can do. He’s been genuinely impressive, not just for a 16-year-old, in his first two appearances, and allowing his young legs to get out and create will excite both him and the fans. 

There is reasonable concern about a young lineup’s defensive ability, especially after a sloppy loss on Sunday, but this is a great chance to give them experience against a Continental opponent. The talent is there to score, and with this big of a lead after one leg, Carnell shouldn’t be concerned. 

Injury Report: Ben Bender – Questionable, Eddy Davis III – Doubtful, Jovan Lukic – Doubtful (Ribs), Finn Sundstrom – Questionable (Ankle), Frankie Westfield – Questionable (Hamstring)

Disciplinary Report: N/A

Matchup to Watch: Man vs Mother Nature

With temperatures predicted to be below freezing, accompanied by several inches of snow on the ground, it will be interesting to see how the Caribbean side handles the chill. The Delaware River does not care who you are; its winds will find you. 

The Union obviously have more experience playing in this cold weather, but even they, who spent their preseason in the beach town of Marbella, Spain, and then Florida, will take some time to get into the flow of the game while battling these temperatures. 

Player to Watch: Cavan Sullivan

Still just 16 years old, Sullivan contributed a solid 20 minutes last time out against DC. More impressively, he registered his first professional goal contribution in his 25 minutes in the first leg, finding Damiani for his first. With a decent amount of rest and a huge aggregate lead, don’t be surprised to see Cavan Sullivan get a serious run out in the Union’s home opener.

Prediction: 2-1 Union 

Carnell will likely roll a very young lineup out, which will lead to a concession, but the team will still have too much ability and home-field advantage to not secure a strong win.