Philadelphia Union Kick Off 2025 Preseason in Spain with Roster and Coaching Staff Updates
Carnell Focuses on Player Development and Competition as Union Head into Spain for Preseason.
While temperatures remain in the low 30s and skies are cloudy in the Mid-Atlantic region, Bradley Carnell met with the media Thursday evening via Zoom from warm Marbella, Spain. The Union are on day two of their two-week preseason in Spain, preparing for the 2025 MLS season.
Philadelphia Union’s Roster In Spain
Goalkeepers:
Andre Blake
Andrew Rick
Oliver Semmle
Mike Sheridan (Union II)
Defenders:
Ian Glavinovich
Jakob Glesnes
Nathan Harriel
Isaiah LeFlore
Olwethu Makhanya
Olivier Mbaizo
Neil Pierre
Kai Wagner
Frankie Westfield
Midfielders:
Alejandro Bedoya
Jesús Bueno
Danley Jean Jacques
Dániel Gazdag
CJ Olney
Nick Pariano
Jeremy Rafanello
Cavan Sullivan
Quinn Sullivan
David Vazquez
Forwards:
Markus Anderson
Tai Barbio
Eddy Davis (Union II)
Chris Donovan
Sal Olivas (Union II)
Mikael Uhre
The Union brought 29 players to Spain for the first leg of their preseason, which includes matches against Slavia Prague (Sunday, January 19) and Aarhus Gymnastikforening (Sunday, January 26). Notable absences include Jack McGlynn and Nelson Pierre, while Mike Sheridan, Eddy Davis, and Sal Olivas have joined from Union II. McGlynn’s absence was expected as he was called up to USMNT January Camp for friendlies against Venezuela (Saturday, January 18) and Costa Rica (Wednesday, January 22). However, Pierre’s omission came as a surprise.
“We're very heavy on the ten and the striker spot, so we just went through the roster to determine what would now be most beneficial to the group,” said Bradley Carnell. “As of now, we feel this is the current roster to go into camp with, and then, at a later date, we'll determine how and where Nelson fits in.”
Pierre, 19, spent most of last season on loan at Swedish club Skövde AIK, competing in the second tier of Swedish soccer. He made just three appearances for the club, totaling 102 minutes. The Union later recalled him and sent him on loan to USL League One side Charlotte Independence in August. There, he played in 11 games, scoring one goal in 126 minutes. With a crowded forward roster and two Union II players called up ahead of him, Pierre’s best chance for game time this season may involve another loan.
The Union are always well represented when it comes to International call-ups, whether that be at the youth or full senior level. José Nuñez reported on January 10th that the Union could’ve had more representation at the US January camps than just Jack McGlynn, but the Union blocked some call-ups. It’s no surprise that the Union blocked those call ups, as the team was preparing to head to Spain for preseason under a new coach, so you would want to give those players a chance to impress their new head coach. And even though Bradley Carnell could provide no comment why players may have been denied those call ups, he sees it as a great honor when players get a chance to represent their country.
“I was a player for my national team too, and playing in World Cups and big tournaments on the biggest stage is, for sure, a massive achievement and something every player strives for and aspires to,” said Carnell. “So I have no problem with players representing their country and getting in their way. It's something that's not on my agenda.”
Bradley Carnell’s Coaching Staff Confirmed
Five minutes before Bradley Carnell’s press conference, the Philadelphia Union announced two more additions to his coaching staff. Mitch Hildebrandt and Vincent McCluskey will join Frank Leicht and Phil Wheddon.
Hildebrandt, 36, starred at Oakland University (2008–2011) before starting his professional career. He made 53 appearances for the Golden Grizzlies, finishing with the fifth-most saves in school history (249). During his college career, he averaged 1.04 goals per game, kept 19 clean sheets, and played in three NCAA tournaments. On January 7, it was announced that Hildebrandt would be inducted into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor as part of the 2025 Oakland Athletics class.Athletics.
Professionally, he played for Minnesota United FC from 2012-2015, who played in the NASL. He played 22 times for Minnesota, keeping four clean sheets and conceding 31 goals. He then went on to play for FC Cincinnati in USL Championship from 2016-2017, where he won goalkeeper of the year in 2016 and made 69 appearances for the club in two seasons keeping 22 clean sheets and conceding 81 goals. He would sign for Atlanta United in 2018, never making an appearance for the club, but was apart of the team that won MLS Cup that season. Even though he made zero appearances for Atlanta United, he did appear in eight games for Atlanta United 2. In 2020, his last professional season, he signed for Sporting KC II, and appeared in four games for the USL Championship side.
Following his playing career, Hildebrandt joined the Sporting KC organization as a goalkeeper coach for Sporting KC II (2021–2022). He then joined Bradley Carnell’s staff at St. Louis CITY in 2023 as a performance analyst and was promoted to assistant coach in 2024.
Vincent McCluskey joins the Union from New York Red Bulls II, where he served as a strength and conditioning coach since March 2022. Previously, he worked as an Academy Performance Development Coach with the Seattle Sounders organization (2021–2022).
McCluskey played collegiate soccer at the University of Puget Sound (2010–2013), making 67 appearances and scoring 15 goals. After college, he played for MASL side Tacoma Stars from 2015–2020.
“Mitch, prior to his coaching days, is a winner, right? So, as a goalkeeper, being part of the roster in Atlanta that won the MLS Cup, he brings a little bit of this competitive winner mentality to the group, as well as scouting tactical opponents, said Carnell. “So, he's a perfect blend between opposition scouting, on-the-field coaching, and, as well, young player development. He brings a whole plethora of expertise to the fray. We're excited to have him with us.
Vince comes highly recommended from the guys at New York Red Bulls. Good timing for us, this was something that was in the loop before I even arrived, that it so worked out that he's worked in a similar philosophy, and, I care about good people. And after interacting with Vince and all the staff here after two days, I know we have a good group of people here working, giving everything for the club, I expect Vince to be no different.”
Too Early to Tell Who Will Partner Jakob Glesnes
Jakob Glesnes, 30, is the most senior center back on the Union’s roster, having played 16,456 minutes in 186 appearances since joining in 2020. With Jack Elliott no longer at the club, the spot next to Glesnes is open. Olwethu Makhanya, Neil Pierre, and Ian Glavinovich (on loan from Newell’s Old Boys) are the other center backs vying for the role. Carnell has been impressed by the competition early in camp.
“The beauty is that I told the players the flip chart is clean and clear, with names to be added to it come game day,” said Carnell. “What I’ve seen from Jakob is promising. He had a minor postseason intervention (removal of scar tissue near his groin), but he has recovered really well. Neil, on the other hand, is still cutting his teeth as a full-time professional center back, so there’s a lot for him to learn and grow into.
Olwethu seems very up to the challenge—physical, quick, and fit—just like Jakob and Ian. I think there’s going to be strong competition, not just for the center back pairing but in every position on the field. Competition is healthy, and if we train and compete harder during practice than any of our opponents do on game day, we’ll be able to match the teams we face.”
30 degrees in the Mid-Atlantic? I wish!