Philadelphia Union's Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Stars Elijah Reed and Ian Benson delivered standout performances on Wednesday morning, each scoring to lead the Eastern Conference to a 3-2 victory over the West in the 2026 Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game in Charlotte.
Making his third consecutive All-Star appearance, Reed continued his All-Star success by becoming the first Philadelphia Union representative to score in multiple Unified All-Star Games. The Union veteran opened the scoring in the 36th minute, rising above the defense to power home a header after the West failed to clear the danger.
"I came on the field and I had something on my mind that I wanted and it was just the perfect goal," Reed said at halftime. "Getting to hang out with my friends and playing soccer, it's just having a moment with them."
Less than a minute later, Benson doubled the East's advantage in spectacular fashion. After a partial clearance fell to the Union midfielder in the attacking third, he weaved through multiple defenders before unleashing a left-footed strike from outside the box to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute.
The Union duo's first-half goals proved to be the difference as the East held on for a 3-2 victory.
Their All-Star week isn't over just yet. Reed and Benson return to Chester on Saturday to represent the Boys in Blue in a Special Olympics Unified Match against Atlanta United FC at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, with fans invited to attend and cheer on both teams.
