Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union Positional Preview: Midfielders
As the 2026 campaign gets underway this week. We take a deep dive into every player on the Philadelphia Union roster this season.
We’ve already looked at the goalkeepers and the defenders. Now it’s time to look at the midfield.
Jesus Bueno – The savvy Venezuelan returns for his sixth season with the Philadelphia Union. Likely a bench spark for the club, Bueno continues to find himself as a utility piece for the U. Starting half of his 22 MLS matches, Bueno provided a single goal last season. However, the majority of his minutes came in scenarios where the Boys in Blue were looking to finish a game strong with the lead. Bueno’s work is never flashy, but what you see is what you get. His off-the-ball presence and defensive mindset are always unappreciated strengths of his consistent playstyle.
Danley Jean-Jacques – An unsung hero of the 2026 Supporters’ Shield champion season, Danley Jean-Jacques returns to the Philadelphia Union for his second season with the club. The Haitian did everything you could’ve asked of a midfielder with large shoes to fill. At just 25, Danley contributed to five goals last season, scoring three of his own. The most important stats for Jean-Jacques come from his defensive consistency. In 2025, the defensive mid had 54 tackles, 46 interceptions, and 150 recoveries. Danley’s performance in 2026 alongside Jovan Lukic will be key to the success of the U.
Jovan Lukic – Jovan Lukic was a focal point of the Union midfield in 2025 and will look to continue his defensive presence for the club in 2026. The Serb immediately won over the hearts and minds of the Philadelphia faithful, scoring a duo of screamers to open up his campaign in Philly. While the remainder of the season was not as flashy, Lukic continued to excel as a reliable piece of the midfield in a season riddled with injuries. Lukic’s distribution and vision never disappointed, and while his role became quieter across the season, expect the same consistency from a player who always leaves it all on the pitch.
CJ Olney – CJ Olney returned to the club from a 2025 loan to Lexington SC. A likely Union II starter and first-team depth piece, Olney continues to develop steadily within the Union system. The 19-year-old joins a collection of young homegrowns that will feature as reserves and fill the cracks through the 2026 campaign.
Jeremy Rafanello – Rafa featured in 16 matches across the 2025 MLS campaign, starting two matches for the club last season. At 25, he adds to the homegrown depth that spreads across the Union midfield. While Jeremy always provides the necessary spark in thin squads, his appearances throughout the season will likely be contingent on the fitness of the squad.
Cavan Sullivan – Judging by preseason fixtures, Cavan’s role on the 2026 Philadelphia Union aims to be more central to reserve minutes. The younger of the Sullivan brothers featured in 19 matches of MLS play while playing the entire season for the Union II. Cav contributed to 11 goals with the second team, scoring six goals and assisting on five. A focal point of the MLS Next squad last season, the 16-year-old will likely split between starting for the second team and providing a spark off the bench for the first.
Quinn Sullivan – Before tearing his ACL, Quinn produced one of his best seasons for the Philadelphia Union. Sullivan bagged three goals and provided eight assists to the squad last season, showcasing that his reliable footwork and continuously improving distribution will be crucial to the squad this season. Quinn’s impact in 2026 will revolve around his recovery path, as he’s expected to miss the beginning of the season while he returns to match fitness. The young winger’s play has always revolved around his pace and fitness, so taking the necessary precautions on his return-to-play is critical.
Indiana Vassilev – Indiana Vassilev was the exact answer to weary forward depth in Philly last season. While naturally a winger, the 25-year-old American found his footing amongst the midfield, scoring six goals for the side in MLS play. Vassilev remains a valuable piece to the Union attack, and while he picked up a knock in preseason that may delay his season debut, his fitness will be crucial in the absence of Quinn Sullivan to start the season. Indy is the type of player that is meant to play in the City of Brotherly Love, and his flexibility and diverse play style provide various options for how dangerous he can be within the Philly attack.
Ben Bender – Ben Bender will join the homegrown players in the Union’s reserves. His return to fitness was a large part of his 2025 season with the U, but having a full offseason with the club brings optimism for his contributions to the team off the bench. Bender is a great piece to have in reserves, and with a tight formation in the diamond 4-4-2, midfield depth is the most crucial piece of the puzzle.
Alejandro Bedoya – At 38-years-young, Ale returns for his 11th season with the Philadelphia Union. The Captain, while grabbing a goal and an assist last season, will continue to play a critical role on and off the pitch for the U. If 2025 proved anything, it is that Bedoya is willing to go to bat in any position that best serves his side, even if that throws him at left back (hopefully a one-hit wonder…). Ale provides an invaluable presence at the club, and his contributions will continue to play testament to the legendary career that he’s made for himself in Philadelphia.
