15 Years, 15 Names: Compiling the 15 most influential players in Philadelphia Union history

Last week marked the 15-year anniversary of Major League Soccer officially beginning in Philadelphia. A 2-0 loss in Seattle may not be the most memorable outing 15 years later, but it felt like a good opportunity to dive back into the club’s archives. With the help of some Philadelphia Soccer Now colleagues, I put together a list of the 15 most influential players in Union history. There is no fundamental metric for this outside of our own opinions; however, I analyzed a few basic stats like appearances, goals, and time spent at the club to help round out the list. Without further introduction, here are the 15 most influential players who wore the blue and gold in chronological order.

1 – Danny Califf
This was probably my least popular pick when I shared my initial (and much longer) list with the rest of PSN. However, I am quite a sentimental individual, and as traditional as it may sound, I think the wearer of the captain’s armband is imperative to club culture and success. His 67 appearances and just one goal look unimpressive in contrast to many on this list, but it felt like a disservice not to include the club’s first-ever captain.

2 – Sébastien Le Toux
What would this club be without Seba? The first and currently only member of the club’s Ring of Honor was an easy pick for this list. Le Toux was the centerpiece of multiple early Union squads, and despite the club’s lack of success during his tenures, he was an icon in the city. Le Toux ranks second all-time for the club in terms of both goals and assists, behind Daniel Gazdag and Kai Wagner, respectively. Since his retirement, Le Toux has been involved with the club in various ways, most recently as the color commentator on the club’s radio broadcasts.

3 – Sheanon Williams
Sheanon makes the list for similar reasons to Le Toux. Williams currently sits eighth in total appearances for Philadelphia, but his continued commitment to the club after retirement is what shines. The defender now joins Le Toux on the media side and is currently employed as a radio analyst for the club while also working locally for FC Delco.

4 – Brian Carroll
Moving out of the club’s inaugural season, Carroll’s 180 appearances for the Union between 2011-2016 made him a staple in the club’s early years. Carroll was never a flashy player or an individual who lit up the stat sheet, but his consistent professionalism and long tenure helped the club find its initial identity.

Photo by Morgan Tencza

5 – Ray Gaddis
While we never got to riot for a Ray Gaddis goal, his legacy in Philadelphia soccer remains strong. Gaddis was a staple at the back for many Union teams and became a bit of a cult hero in his time here. Nine seasons and over 200 appearances cemented Ray as an icon in the club’s history, regardless of the fact that he never found the back of the net. Yes, I still own a “When Ray Scores we Riot” shirt, and yes, I am mad that it was never relevant.

6 – Andre Blake
Another absolute lock when it comes to any form of historic Union list. Drafted with the first pick of the 2014 Superdraft, Blake was brought in to be the future between the sticks in Philadelphia. Saying he lived up to that is a drastic understatement. At the time of writing this, Andre Blake is the only player in club history to reach 300 appearances, and the three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is comfortably among the greatest MLS players of all time.

7 – Alejandro Bedoya
Speaking of 300 appearances for the club, Alejandro Bedoya is almost certain to be the second player to hit that mark. Bedoya sits at 291 currently and is an absolute lock for the Ring of Honor, along with Andre Blake. I mentioned the importance of a captain, and Ale has donned
the armband for almost a decade. Bedoya embodies this club in every way, and this list would not be complete without him.

8 – Ilsinho
Ah, Ilsinho. The super sub of all super subs. I will admit this was one of the last additions to this list, as 40 goal contributions in 5 years do not scream success from an attacker. However, when you think of fan favorites, it is impossible to ignore Brazilians. I mean, there is a game referred to as “The Ilsinho Game,” how do you leave that off a list of influences?

9 – Jack Elliott
Well, this one is bittersweet. Jack departed the club this past winter after 270 showings for the Union. The pairing of Jack Elliott and Jakob Glesnes not only provided stability and elite play at central defense for years, but they were the key pieces in a record-setting 2022 backline. Elliott’s brace in MLS Cup 2022 will forever be amongst the greatest performances in Union history, even if we do not speak about anything that happened after his second goal hit the net.

Photo by Morgan Tencza

10 – Mark McKenzie and 11 – Brenden Aaronson
15 years in, Philadelphia Union is committed to the identity of being a “selling club.” That never could have been possible without the pair of homegrown talents that started it all. Mark and Brenden fetched the club a record-shattering amount of money, up to now over $20 Million with sell-on fees. The pair helped the club win its first major trophy with the lifting of the 2020 Supporters’ Shield and quickly moved on to Europe– that’s about as effective as it gets for a club committed to development and sales. Both players went on to top European leagues after continuing to develop in Austria and Belgium, respectively.

12 – Kai Wagner
Cryptic social media posts, locker room issues, transfer rumors, 50+ assists, ah, the Kai Wagner experience. The German defender has been excellent for the Union over the last 6 years. The rationale for Kai on this list is pretty straightforward: he’s been a top player on the best teams in the club’s history. Add in the fact that he was Ernst Tanner’s first ultra-successful signing from a European lower tier, and it is impossible to talk about the Philadelphia Union’s success without him.

13 – Jakob Glesnes
Approaching 200 appearances, the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year has been a key within the Union spine for years. A handful of iconic screamers that made headlines worldwide may take center stage, but Glesnes has simply been a top-level player in this team for half of a decade now; it’s as simple as that.

14 – Dániel Gazdag
About a year ago, I wrote a piece evaluating Gazdag’s legacy within the club’s history. I argued then that his record-setting goal to lead the club all-time placed him among the Union greats. A year later, he sits on a staggering 96 goals and assists for the Union. Gazdag has simply been the best player on the best Union teams, and I will argue his legacy to the ends of the earth.

15 – Julián Carranza
I am rounding out this list with a look into the future. The modern MLS standard is buying high from South America and selling even higher to Europe. For a few years, it looked like the Union was far too stubborn to jump on this trend, but the rather fortunate way that Julián Carranza ended up in Philadelphia brought the club back to terms with the league. Carranza came to MLS for $6 Million from Argentina, nearly double the Union’s record spending. Miami’s failure to keep Carranza on their roster allowed the Union to purchase him for next to nothing. Julián became an elite striker, scoring 43 goals in just 95 appearances and eventually earning a move to Dutch club Feyenoord last summer. Carranza wasn’t here long, but he forced the Union to explore the more profitable methods of player recruitment, with Ian Glavinovich and Bruno  Damiani joining this past winter from Argentina and Uruguay.