MLS play may be paused, but it was still a very significant weekend for the Philadelphia Union as multiple current and former players represented the stars and stripes in the United States Men’s National Team's first of two friendlies before beginning Concacaf Gold Cup play.
While the match finished 2-1 in favor of Turkiye, it was a momentous 90 minutes for the Union and its academy as three Homegrowns earned their first-ever senior team caps. Nathan Harriel and Quinn Sullivan, active players on the Philadelphia Union’s current roster, were both called on by Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to enter the match as subs in the 65th minute.
“It’s definitely a dream come true to represent the country, and at the senior team level is awesome,” Sullivan reflected after the final whistle.
“Disappointed in the result, of course. Obviously, we want to do more. I think we created enough chances to score and put it in the back of the net, but in general, for me, a proud moment. I thought I brought some intensity and aggressiveness that coach talks about, so I’m going to bring that every time.”
They weren’t the only familiar faces in the mix – Union Homegrown keeper Matt Freese (NYCFC) also earned his first appearance for the United States' senior team, joining Homegrown midfielder Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo) in the starting XI. McGlynn scored the lone USA goal of the match, using his left foot to place a powerful first-minute golazo past Turkiye's keeper.
Pochettino’s squad features two active Union players and seven total Philadelphia Union Academy products. Between the USMNT, U-18s, U-19s, and U-20s, the Union lead MLS with most current and former players developed by the academy currently playing for the United States during this international window with 12 total.
Next up for the USMNT
Tuesday, June 9th, 8pm | Friendly, USA vs Switzerland
Sunday, June 15th, 6pm | Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, USA vs Trinidad and Tobago
Thursday, June 19th, 9:15pm | Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, USA vs Saudi Arabia
Sunday, June 22, 7pm | Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, USA vs Haiti
