The first league match of 2026 saw numerous Independence Blue Cross Achievements Unlocked as Philadelphia Union battled rivals D.C. United.
The match saw defender Finn Sundstrom collect his first MLS start for the Boys in Blue in his club debut as the squad kicked off its league slate in Washington, D.C.
After originally planning to start the match as a substitute, the 19-year-old was thrust into the starting lineup after homegrown Frankie Westfield was unable to play in the match.
The defender joined the Union in January via transfer from North Carolina FC. In order to complete the transaction, the Union acquired Sundstrom’s rights from D.C. United in exchange for the club’s natural first-round selection in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft after D.C. selected the player off Waivers.
