Philadelphia Union Sign Homegrown Defender Frankie Westfield Through 2028
The versatile fullback becomes the 27th Homegrown signing in club history after a breakout season with Union II.
Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union have announced the signing of defender Frankie Westfield to a Homegrown contract through 2028, with an option for 2029, making him the 27th Homegrown player in club history.
Westfield, 19, joined the Union Academy in 2021 and made his debut for Union II on March 27, 2022, against FC Cincinnati.
He has appeared in 76 games for Union II, recording nine goals and 10 assists in 6,597 minutes.
Westfield committed to Penn State in December 2023 and was just days away from reporting to the Nittany Lions when he was offered a Union II contract. He signed with the club on July 5, 2024.
Last year was a breakout season for Westfield, as he started all 30 matches for Union II, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 2,823 minutes. His strong performances earned him a place in MLS Next Pro’s Best XI alongside teammate CJ Olney.
Westfield’s impressive form also led to his first call-up with the U.S. U-20s for a training camp in Chile, where he made two appearances (one start) against Chile’s U-20s.
Westfield can play across the backline but was primarily used as a left back for Union II last season. However, his more natural position at the next level is likely right back. He is a strong tackler, a skilled chance creator with his line-splitting passes and crosses, and a threat in the air on set pieces. As an attack-minded fullback, he loves to get forward and contribute offensively while possessing the recovery speed to track back defensively.
“Frankie is a talented and versatile young defender,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “His ability to use both feet effectively allows him to impact the game on both sides of the field, and his role as Union II’s vice-captain last season makes us confident in his maturity and leadership potential on and off the field. We’re excited to see the contribution he’ll bring to the first team.”
Video credit: MLS Next Pro