Photo courtesy of Darby Winter/Special to The Philly Soccer Page
The Union’s congested early season schedule makes player rotations necessary, and the business of finding head coach Bradley Carnell’s best XI continues both on and off the field, as does the work of building Union II. Today, off the field, Philadelphia Union announced that they have acquired defender Philippe Ndinga on a permanent transfer from Degerfors IF in Sweden’s top flight, the Allsvenskan.
The team have also loaned forward Markus Anderson to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC through the 2026 season, where he will continue to develop under former Union II Head Coach, Marlon LeBlanc.
In Union II news, the team have re-signed midfielder Óscar Benítez to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2026 season. Benítez remains on Union II’s active roster and will continue to occupy an international roster slot.
A few notes on the moves:
- Ndinga 20, arrives in Philadelphia following a productive 2025 campaign with Degerfors IF. He joins the Union as a U22 Initiative signing and is guaranteed through the 2028-2029 season with an option through the 2029-2030 season. Ndinga will be added to the Union’s active roster upon receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).“Philippe is a dynamic defender with the ability to play confidently with both feet, which gives us valuable flexibility in the back line,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell. “His aggressive style of defending fits our system well, and we’re excited to welcome him to the club.”
- Anderson made three MLS appearances and one start in 2025, scoring the game winning goal against Charlotte FC on June 14, 2025. During his time with Union II, he made 21 appearances (16 starts), scoring six goals and registering three assists. He also started in all three Union II playoff games.
- Benítez appeared in 21 matches during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, making nine starts while playing a consistent role across Union II’s midfield and defensive rotations.“Óscar [Benítez] has shown consistent progress and maturity within our environment last season,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter. “His work rate, defensive presence, and ability to impact games in key moments were valuable for us, and we’re excited to continue his development heading into 2026.”
And that completes the 2026 picture?
He is a left back. And was their second choice. First choice decided to sign elsewhere.
For the complete picture of the first team, go here. https://mlssoccer.app.box.com/s/8rlpwuftshm29fhixg9w08q834j491wp
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The club roster profiles are official documents.
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it is worth noting that although Stas Korzeniowski is in Supplemental Reserve Roster Slot 31 and was so designated on Roster Compliance Day the day before the Union played DC in the season opener, Korzeniowski played against DC. Something has changed about slot 31 apparently.
Find the February 2026 Roster Profiles on the MLS website (click on this address https://mlssoccer.app.box.com/s/8rlpwuftshm29fhixg9w08q834j491wp .) Remember hyperlinks do not work in comment boxes.
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Those documents give you the official situations of every MLS team as of February 27th, 2026.
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Who knows what may be coming. There are internet rumors galore about Olwethu Makhanya, this summer, and Europe. Remember that the Union have a 59 day break for the World Cup and its immediate preliminaries from late May onward. By custom and tradition there are no roster moves announced during the tournament, but they can and will be announced afterwards.
Thanks for the link I saw people posting on social media but couldn’t find it on the MLS page (shocked, shocked I was…well, not that shocked).
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Interesting to me how Contract Thru is reflected now for the schedule change. The four new players signed this offseason reflect the new calendar, e.g. Larsen thru 2028-29. Ben Bender is signed through June 2027, that also makes sense, through the short season. And then, Makhanya and Quinn are signed through 2027. Wonder what that means, half way through 27-28?
I think 2027 will be a short 14 game season… Feb – May… Then 2027-2028 full season with major breaks in Dec – Feb.