Quinn Sullivan, Olwethu Makhanya and Frankie Westfield rank highly an annual Ranking of Top Young MLS Players
Year after year, Philadelphia Union remains committed to the development of young talent, and that was on full display in 2025 as the team not only secured the Supporters’ Shield, but became one of the youngest teams ever in league history to do so. As the regular season comes to a close, the league announced their 22 under 22 list recognizing Major League Soccer’s best young talent, and for an eighth straight season, Philadelphia Union was represented on the list, as Quinn Sullivan, Frankie Westfield, and Olwethu Makhanya each earned the honor.
At 21 years old, Homegrown midfielder Quinn Sullivan moved up to the #6 spot in the rankings following a successful season as a consistent starter and prolific playmaker for his hometown team.
Sullivan started 24 of his 28 games played, contributing nine assists and two goals before suffering a season-ending injury on Saturday, September 27th against D.C. United. He tallied the second most assists, key passes, and successful crosses on the entire team, behind only Kai Wagner in each category.
In addition to his impactful contributions to the Union’s standout season, Sullivan took a step forward on the international stage, earning his first United States Men’s National Team cap during Gold Cup play over the summer.
Sullivan’s fifth year as part of the Union’s first team has been a successful one, but the best is yet to come as his contract is guaranteed through 2027 with an option for 2028.
2025 has been a year of firsts for 21-year-old South African centerback Olwethu Makhanya. This season marked his first playing on the Major League Soccer stage, and he earned his debut, his first MLS start, first goal, and his first trophy as part of the first-team group. The latest milestone in his momentous year is making the 22 under 22 list, ranked at #13.
It’s been a breakout season to say the least for Makhanya – after spending 2023 and 2024 diligently developing and adjusting to the Union’s playing style at the second team level, he earned an opportunity to contribute to the first team and made an immediate impact, starting 22 of 28 matches played.
So far in 2025, he’s made 44 clearances and won 65.2% of his aerial duels over 2055 minutes played, learning alongside veteran talent while showing his unique qualities during strong runs up the field and determined defending. He played an integral role in the league’s top defense, which as a unit secured 14 clean sheets and allowed just 33 goals.
His lone goal of the year was a game-winner against Montreal at home, securing an important three points that helped bolster the total that would go on to secure the Supporters’ Shield.
The top defense in the league produced another top young talent, as Homegrown Frankie Westfield also made the list, landing at #18. Like Makhanya, 2025 marked Westfield’s first season with the first team. Last summer, the Philadelphia Union Academy product was moments away from pursuing a college soccer career when the club approached him with the opportunity to sign as a second team player. In the following months, he led Union II to secure MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Championship and an appearance in the Cup match as a team captain, displaying unwavering Philly grit, relentless defending, and team-centered spirit in each match.
In the offseason, the club signed Westfield to a first team contract, fulfilling his long-time dream he harboured during his years as an academy player from Northeast Philly. During preseason prep in Marbella, Spain and Clearwater, Florida, the 19-year-old defender impressed Head Coach Bradley Carnell and his new staff, earning a starting role in the backline for the team’s season opener in Orlando.
Since then, Westfield has started 18 of his 25 matches played, contributing one goal and five assists in regular season play. He’s also made an impact on the international team stage, called up to be one of 16 Major League Soccer players representing the United States in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
