Northeast Philly’s Rising Soccer Talent Frankie Westfield Debuts for Philadelphia Union
On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 19-year-old Frankie Westfield debuted with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Westfield played 88 minutes and provided his first assist on a goal scored by Tai Baribo in the 64th minute of the match to give the Union a 4-2 win over Orlando City SC.
“I feel like just the walkout for the game was amazing,” Westfield said in an interview with CBS News Philadelphia. “Just seeing that crowd and the fire was shooting up.”
At only 19 years old, the Northeast Philly native becomes the 15th homegrown player in the club’s history to start a match and the 10th homegrown player to do so in a season opener. Frankie Westfield’s debut continues the legacy of homegrown talent for the Union. He joins the ranks of legacy players like Brendan Aaronson, Anthony Fontana, and Derrick Jones.
Westfield’s debut follows his signing with the Philadelphia Union on Thursday, Feb. 6, to a four-year guaranteed contract through 2028 with an option for 2029, as noted in an MLS report. Frankie Westfield made his international start with the United States U-20s last year, where he played in two “friendlies” against Chile. He also was a key contributor to the Philadelphia Union II’s run to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Final.
“Frankie is a talented and versatile young defender,” said sporting director Ernst Tanner in comments shared within the MLS report. “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.”
