Union II is entering the 2026 season with a midfield that looks markedly different from a year ago. The central area of the pitch has been refreshed with a wave of younger players, many of whom are still in their mid‑teens.
A New Generation Takes the Helm
The most striking shift is the influx of youth, with the average age dropping by two to three years across the central zone. This transformation reflects the club’s commitment to promoting talent from the academy and from partner institutions.
Two of last season’s regulars, Cavan Sullivan and David Vazquez, have already earned minutes at the MLS level, signaling the pathway that the academy is opening for the next wave of prospects.
Inside the locker room, the coaching staff talks about the blend of experience and raw potential that defines the new unit. While veterans such as Oscar Benitez and Marlon LeBlanc provide stability, the spotlight is increasingly on the newcomers who are eager to prove themselves.
Among the newcomers, 17‑year‑old Willyam Ferreira has logged 11 appearances and 725 minutes, while 18‑year‑old Kellan LeBlanc has started 11 games and contributed three assists. Both players are still searching for their first goal but have shown the ability to control the tempo.
Matheus De Paula, also 17, has been the most prolific, finding the net twice and adding an assist in 951 minutes of play. His breakout performances have drawn praise from both teammates and analysts.
The emergence of players like Nehan Hasan, Tyler Gladstone and the 16‑year‑old Abdoulaye Diop adds depth, while the continued development of Mamoutou Berthe and the promising future of the 16‑year‑old Diop suggest a bright outlook.
The club’s partnership with Union Academy and YSC Academy continues to feed the pipeline, a fact underscored by the recent placements at Brooklyn FC in the USL Championship. CJ Olney and Markus Anderson are now starting for Brooklyn FC, a division higher than MLS NEXT Pro.
Beyond the pitch, the organization’s ties to Penn State, Duke University, Indiana University and other institutions highlight a broader educational network that supports player development. These collaborations provide academic resources and scholarship opportunities for young athletes.
As the season unfolds, the question will be how quickly these youngsters can translate promise into consistent performance. The early signs are encouraging, but the true test will come as the schedule intensifies and the pressure mounts.