Philadelphia Union

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MLS Player Holden Trent Dies at 25; Spent Last 2 Seasons with Philadelphia Union

Oct 26, 2024
CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 29: A general view of the Philadelphia Union logo at Subaru Park prior to the match against the D.C. United on August 29, 2020 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 29: A general view of the Philadelphia Union logo at Subaru Park prior to the match against the D.C. United on August 29, 2020 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The MLS' Philadelphia Union announced Saturday that goalkeeper Holden Trent died at the age of 25.

After starring collegiately at High Point University, Trent joined the Philadelphia Union last season.

Although Trent did not appear in any matches for the Union during the 2023 campaign, he did make five starts for Philadelphia Union II, which is the Union's MLS Next Pro league team.

While details of Trent's death were not made public Saturday, Philadelphia Union II head coach Marlon LeBlanc was asked about Trent's status on Friday.

During a press conference, LeBlanc acknowledged a post made on Trent's Instagram Story that stated Trent had been admitted to the intensive care unit at a hospital:

LeBlanc did not provide any information on Trent's condition, but he did offer his prayers and best wishes to Trent and his family.

The Philadelphia Union II are scheduled to play a match against Crown Legacy FC on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.

Union's Cavan Sullivan Makes MLS Debut; 14-Year-Old Sets North American Sports Record

Jul 18, 2024
HOOKSETT, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JULY 6: Cavan Sullivan #6 of Philadelphia Union II brings the ball forward during a game between Philadelphia Union II and New England Revolution II at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium on July 6, 2024 in Hooksett, New Hampshire. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
HOOKSETT, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JULY 6: Cavan Sullivan #6 of Philadelphia Union II brings the ball forward during a game between Philadelphia Union II and New England Revolution II at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium on July 6, 2024 in Hooksett, New Hampshire. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Cavan Sullivan made history Wednesday night.

The Philadelphia Union prospect became the youngest athlete in MLS history to ever appear in a game after subbing into the club's matchup with the New England Revolution in the 85th minute.

At just 14 years and 293 days old, Sullivan topped the previous MLS record held by Freddy Adu (14 years, 307 days old) back in 2004 for the San Jose Earthquakes.

He also became the youngest person to ever appear in a major North American professional sports league (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL) contest.

Adu congratulated the young phenom on breaking his record:

Sullivan didn't wait long to make his presence felt, with a shot on goal in the 93rd minute:

The Union won the contest 5-1, though they remained buried on the Eastern Conference table in last place, with just 21 points through 23 matches.

With the Union struggling overall this season, working Sullivan into the lineup made sense, especially on a night when the outcome wasn't in question later in the match.

"Cavan's earned the right to be in the 20 if you just go through the numbers," manager Jim Curtin told reporters on Tuesday. "He'll get that opportunity now and the next step is working hard to get your first minutes. Sometimes that might be one minute, that might be 15 minutes, that might be 90 minutes. But you have to earn it and I think Cavan understands that and recognizes it."

For good measure, Sullivan's older brother, Quinn, scored an absolute banger earlier in the contest:

It was a pretty amazing night for the Sullivan family, and an exciting night for soccer fans as one of the most hyped soccer prospects in United States history took to the pitch.

Video: MLS' Philadelphia Union vs. NYCFC Game Paused After Raccoon Runs on Field

May 16, 2024
CHESTER, PA - MAY 15: A raccoon enters the field during the game between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union on May 15, 2024 at Subaru Park in Chester PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - MAY 15: A raccoon enters the field during the game between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union on May 15, 2024 at Subaru Park in Chester PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Union unveiled a new signing in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to New York City FC.

A raccoon ran onto the field midway through the first half and displayed a level of elusiveness that would make Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi blush. He was briefly afforded the run of the Subaru Park turf.

Apparently the furry intruder, appropriately dubbed Raquinho, made history as well.

Raquinho's surprise appearance didn't have an uplifting effect for Philadelphia. The Union trailed 1-0 thanks to a goal from Adrián Martínez when he arrived, and Hannes Wolf doubled NYCFC's lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Julián Carranza got a goal back in the 47th minute, but the home side was unable to find the back of the net again.

So far, there's nothing to substantiate the rumors that Raquinho is on the radar of the top clubs around Europe ahead of a potential summer transfer.

14-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan, Union Land Historic MLS Contract; Okays Man City Transfer

May 9, 2024
CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 29: A general view of the Philadelphia Union logo at Subaru Park prior to the match against the D.C. United on August 29, 2020 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 29: A general view of the Philadelphia Union logo at Subaru Park prior to the match against the D.C. United on August 29, 2020 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Union announced Thursday they signed Cavan Sullivan to the largest homegrown contract in the history of MLS.

There is a notable catch, though. ESPN's Kyle Bonagura reported the deal includes a clause that allows the 14-year-old to transfer to Manchester City after he turns 18.

According to Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Borussia Dortmund was among the other clubs that pursued Sullivan and had built inroads with the family dating back to 2020.

The teenager made the final call on where he'd eventually be playing overseas, but it sounds as though it was a family decision. His father, Brendan, told Tannenwald that Manchester City made an impressive pitch.

"The level of detail that Man City went down to in terms of the plan, the development, all the different variations and pivot points at which things could change, could toggle into something else," he said. "The level of scouting they did on Cavan, the level of scouting they did against other people in other countries all over, it was ridiculous. … We truly had to look at each other and be like, 'This can't be real, that they did this amount.'"

FIFA rules, with certain exceptions, prohibit players under 18 from moving internationally. Christian Pulisic was able to join Dortmund when he was 16 because he obtained a Croatian passport.

In the case of the Premier League, the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union ushered in more stringent rules for under-18 players. Because of that, Sullivan's dream of playing for Manchester City will have to be on hold for another four years regardless of how fast his game is advancing on the field.

Even without the transfer rules in place, staying stateside would arguably be the best move for Sullivan's long-term development. The Philadelphia Union provide continuity since he has been with their academy since 2020, and playing in MLS rather than one of the top European leagues makes it more likely he gets regular first-team action when he's good enough for the senior level.

MLS Suspends Union's Kai Wagner for 3 Matches After Allegedly Using Racial Slur

Nov 7, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 20: Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) passes during the Philadelphia Union versus D.C. United Major League Soccer (MLS) game on August 20, 2022 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 20: Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) passes during the Philadelphia Union versus D.C. United Major League Soccer (MLS) game on August 20, 2022 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Major League Soccer has suspended Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner three games for violating the league's on-field antidiscrimination policy following an investigation into racial abuse allegations, the league announced Tuesday.

"In reaching this decision, MLS considered many factors, including Wagner's immediate acceptance of responsibility for the violation, willingness to participate in a restorative practices process to repair the harm caused, and his cooperation with the league's investigation," MLS said in a statement.

Wagner, who is from Germany, is alleged to have said a word in German toward New England Revolution defender Bobby Wood that is considered to be racist toward Asians during a playoff match between the two sides on Oct. 28.

Wood, who has Japanese and African American ancestry, played in Germany at the youth and professional level for 14 years, so he understood what Wagner was alleged to have said.

Wagner's remarks allegedly came in the 86th minute after Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni fouled Union defender Nathan Harriel. Multiple players got into a confrontation after the foul, and Wood and Wagner were seen arguing with each other.

Wagner will miss Wednesday's playoff match against the Revolution and would also miss the third game of the series on Sunday if that game is necessary. If the Union are eliminated from the playoffs before the third game of Wagner's suspension, he would serve the final game at the beginning of next season.

The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Union and could depart the club as a free agent after the season. Through five seasons in Philadelphia, Wagner has earned two All-Star selections and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2022.

Nets' Kevin Durant Purchases 5 Percent Stake in MLS' Philadelphia Union

Jun 4, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Kevin Durant looks on during a game at the Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Kevin Durant looks on during a game at the Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has purchased a 5 percent stake in the Philadelphia Union, the MLS club announced Monday.

Mark J. Burns of Sports Business Daily first reported June 4 that Durant would join the Union as a minority shareholder.

Durant said in a release:

"I'm excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come. My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team's story. Off the pitch, I'm looking forward to working in the Chester and Philadelphia communities and making an impact in the same way that the KDCF has been able to in my hometown of Prince George's County."

Pablo Maurer of The Athletic initially reported Dec. 28 that Durant's Thirty Five Ventures met with the Union, who confirmed that a meeting took place:

Per Chris Smith of Forbes, the Union were valued at $240 million in November 2019, a surge from $175 million the year before.

Durant's stake comes less than a year after Maurer reported that the 10-time All-Star twice attempted to buy a stake in his hometown D.C. United, once in 2012 and again in 2018.

Durant has expressed interest in team ownership in the past, telling Field Yates and Matthew Berry on ESPN's Fantasy Focus podcast (h/t AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today) that he would like to own an NFL team someday.

Philadelphia Union Announce Unnamed Player Tested Positive for Coronavirus

Apr 1, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: An official MLS match ball is seen on the pitch during warm-up prior to the MLS match between the Houston Dynamo and the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center on March 21, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Dynamo and the Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: An official MLS match ball is seen on the pitch during warm-up prior to the MLS match between the Houston Dynamo and the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center on March 21, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Dynamo and the Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

A member of the Philadelphia Union tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Wednesday.

"The Union medical staff has been working directly with Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials to treat the player who experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits," the Union said. "The player is observing the appropriate isolation protocols. No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time."

Like many other sports leagues, MLS shut down play indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Seattle Sounders had the first reported COVID-19 case within MLS when they confirmed a member of their support staff tested positive. New York City FC announced an employee within their sporting department was diagnosed as well.

MLS announced March 19 the 2020 season is on hold through at least May 10 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding any events with 50 or more people for eight weeks.

League commissioner Don Garber appeared on ESPN's Get Up to reiterate plans to stage a normal 34-game regular season. He added that officials would be comfortable pushing the end of the playoffs until mid-December.

According to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN, MLS believes it could restart in mid-July and still allow for a full season that would wrap up on Dec. 12 or Dec. 19.

Yahoo Sports' Doug McIntyre reported the league plans to reduce the salaries for most of its employees and will institute a hiring freeze during the pandemic.

Ex-Eagles, Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi Signs with Philadelphia Union as EMLS Player

Jan 7, 2020
Philadelphia Eagles' Jay Ajayi warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles' Jay Ajayi warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

NFL running back Jay Ajayi is taking on a second job with the Philadelphia Union as a member of the eMLS League Series One.

Ajayi issued a statement about joining the Union:

"Philadelphia holds a special place in my heart so I am blessed to be able to represent the city in the esports realm and to become one of the first pro athletes to become a professional gamer. It combines two of my passions, soccer and gaming. I'm a competitor, so you're going to see me give my all for the Union at every eMLS event this year."

The third season of eMLS will begin in Philadelphia on Jan. 10. Ajayi is one of 25 professional FIFA 20 players taking part in the league, with gamers earning points at three events that give them a chance to take part in the FIFA eWorld Cup.

Ajayi is currently an NFL free agent after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles in December. The 26-year-old has played in 45 career games between the Eagles and Miami Dolphins since being drafted in 2015. He ran for a career high 1,272 yards with the Dolphins in 2016 and won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2017. 

MLS' Alejandro Bedoya Urges Congress Action on Gun Violence After Scoring Goal

Aug 4, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 30: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union looks on during the MLS match at Banc of California Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC defeated the Philadelphia Union 4-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 30: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union looks on during the MLS match at Banc of California Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC defeated the Philadelphia Union 4-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya used his celebration to send a message to Congress when he scored in the third minute against D.C. United on Sunday.

Bedoya beat D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid with a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

Upon savoring the goal with his teammates, Bedoya grabbed a field-level microphone and said, "Hey Congress, do something now. End gun violence:"

At least 34 people died this week when gunmen opened fire in four cities across the country. The most recent shooting occurred Sunday in Dayton, Ohio, which left nine people dead.

During the Union's 2-0 win over the New England Revolution on March 3, 2018, Bedoya also honored the victims of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The Gun Violence Archive estimates 254 mass shootings have occurred in 2019.

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