Philadelphia Union
Opponent Research: Meet Defence Force F.C.
The 2026 Philadelphia Union season kicks off on Wednesday night when the Boys in Blue travel to Trinidad to face Defence Force F.C. in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The match will be the first time the Union have ever faced a club from Trinidad and Tobago. To learn more about unfamiliar opponents Defence Force ahead of the match, Philadelphia Soccer Now spoke with Nigel Myers of Soca Warriors Online, who cover all things Trinidad and Tobago soccer.
Philadelphia Soccer Now: Wednesday’s match will be Defence Force’s first Concacaf Champions Cup match against an MLS opponent. Many Americans will be introduced to Defence Force this week. What should the new audience know about the club and its history? Who are the most iconic players?
Nigel Myers: Defence Force was founded in 1974 and is associated with the country’s military. In the beginning, all the players were soldiers, but today the roster is made up of soldiers and civilians. It is the only club from Trinidad and Tobago to win a Concacaf club title, having done so in 1978 and 1985 when the competition was known as the Concacaf Champions League. More than 75 Defence Force players have represented the Trinidad and Tobago national team. Some of the more well-known players are Hutson Charles, Kerry Jameson, Dexter Francis, Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Angus Eve, and Devorn Jorsling, the current head coach.
PSN: This will be Defence Force’s first Concacaf Champions Cup appearance in over 20 years. What is the atmosphere like amongst the Defence Force fanbase and in Mucurapo right now in anticipation of the match?
NM: Defence Force has been promoting the game for a while now, but the match falls on Ash Wednesday, which is the day after our Carnival, which means that a lot of people will be in recovery mode, or continuing in party mode. Therefore, I don’t expect much of a turnout.
PSN: Defence Force currently sit on top of the T&T Premier Football League table, unbeaten in 14 matches this season. How would you describe their style of play, and how have they found success this year?
NM: Defence Force like to play on the front foot, and have achieved success in the local league by overwhelming their opponents with waves of attacks. They finished unbeaten last season, so they definitely have some momentum going.
PSN: Who is the most crucial attacker and defender on Defence Force currently?
NM: Captain Kevin Molino is the heartbeat of Defence Force, and is the central figure in their attacking moves. He is ably supported by two-time MLS Cup winner, Joevin Jones. Anchoring their defence will be veteran Sheldon Bateau, who has 61 national caps and has plied his trade in places like Belgium, Russia, and Turkey.
PSN: How is MLS perceived in T&T? Are fans confident in their chances against Philadelphia?
NM: Trinidad and Tobago football fans mainly get their fill of the sport from the European leagues. The big ones like the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga. MLS is not held in high regard, although it is acknowledged to be one of the two best leagues in Concacaf, and some of our players have had good careers there. I don’t believe Defence Force fans are that confident in progressing beyond this two-legged tie, and that mostly has to do with the gap between the TTPFL (Trinidad and Tobago Professional Football League) and MLS. However, since MLS is not in season, that can be used to Defence Force’s advantage.
PSN: American soccer fans may recognize the name of Kevin Molino, who spent over 10 seasons in MLS. How has Molino performed since returning to Trinidad and Tobago?
NM: Once Molino is on the pitch, most anything good that happens for Defence Force comes through him. At 35 years old, he’s in the twilight of his career, and even though his body is not what it once was, his mind is sharp as ever. After returning to Trinidad and Tobago, he became captain of both the men’s national senior team, and Defence Force. Having recently retired from international football, his focus is now solely with Defence Force.
PSN: Plenty of eyes will be on the first leg between Defence Force and the Union, which will be nationally broadcast on FOX Sports 2 in the United States. Which young, up and coming players might make an impression?
NM: Currently, Defence Force is not known for fielding young and up and coming players. They will mostly be relying on experience, with many former national players in their squad.
PSN: Lastly, some predictions – how do you anticipate Defence Force will line up? What will the final score be in each leg?
NM: Defence Force favors a 4-2-3-1 formation. I’m not one for predictions, but I would think that the first leg will be a close affair.
You can watch the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Wednesday, February 18th on FS2/TUDN. Kickoff for that match is 6 p.m. eastern time.
