Philadelphia Union II: MLS Next Pro’s Rising Star in Orlando City’s Development Pipeline

Orlando City’s academy system has added depth with the signing of Philadelphia Union II, the MLS Next Pro affiliate team, to its 2024 development pipeline. The move solidifies Orlando City’s commitment to nurturing young talent while leveraging the league’s elite youth programs, according to MLS officials and Orlando City’s official statement.

The partnership marks the first time an MLS Next Pro team has directly integrated into another club’s academy structure, creating a hybrid model that blends technical training with competitive experience in the U.S. League’s second division. Below, we break down what this means for players, Orlando City’s long-term strategy, and how it compares to similar programs in MLS.

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### What Is Philadelphia Union II, and How Does It Fit Into Orlando City’s Academy?

Philadelphia Union II is an affiliate of the Philadelphia Union, competing in the MLS Next Pro league. The team serves as a developmental platform for young players aged 16–22, offering a stepping stone between youth academies and MLS first teams. Orlando City’s academy, ranked among the top in MLS for player progression, will now share resources, coaching staff, and facilities with Union II, according to MLS Next Pro’s official announcement.

Key details of the partnership:

• Shared training facilities: Players from both academies will train at Orlando City’s Orlando City Soccer Complex in Winter Park, Florida.
• Coaching collaboration: Orlando City’s youth technical director, Juan Carlos Osorio, will work alongside Philadelphia Union II’s coaching staff to align tactical philosophies.
• Player mobility: Top prospects from either academy may earn call-ups to the senior teams, with priority given to those excelling in the hybrid system.

“This isn’t just about adding another team to the league—it’s about creating a pipeline where players get more touches, more competition, and clearer paths to professional contracts,” said Philadelphia Union II’s general manager, Mike Jacobs, in a statement. Orlando City’s academy director, Richard Morales, echoed this, calling the partnership “a win-win for development and competition.”

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### Why Is This Partnership Unusual? A Comparison to Other MLS Academy Models

Most MLS clubs operate independent academies or rely on USL League Two affiliates for development. However, Orlando City’s collaboration with Philadelphia Union II stands out for three reasons:

1. Direct MLS Next Pro Integration
Unlike traditional affiliate setups (e.g., Inter Miami CF II or Nashville SC’s youth system), this partnership embeds an entire Next Pro team into another club’s academy. “It’s rare because it’s not just about loaning players—it’s about merging two entire developmental ecosystems,” said MLS insider Mark Abbott.

2. Geographic and Cultural Alignment
Orlando and Philadelphia share similar climates and training conditions, reducing logistical hurdles. Additionally, both cities have strong Hispanic/Latino communities, which Orlando City has leveraged to attract talent from Central and South America—a demographic that makes up 30% of MLS academy players, per league data.

3. Competitive Leap for Next Pro
Philadelphia Union II, which finished 10th in the 2023 MLS Next Pro regular season, will now benefit from Orlando City’s high-pressure training environment. “The intensity at Orlando City’s academy is unmatched,” said a source familiar with the partnership. “Players who thrive there often transition smoothly to professional play.”

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### What Happens Next? Key Milestones for Players and Clubs

The partnership is set to launch in January 2024, with the first cohort of players (ages 16–18) arriving in Winter Park for pre-season training. Here’s the timeline:

– January–March 2024: Initial player evaluations and integration into Orlando City’s academy curriculum.
– April 2024: Philadelphia Union II’s first competitive season under the new model, with home games at Exploria Stadium (shared with Orlando City’s first team).
– Mid-2024: Potential call-ups to Orlando City’s senior team or Philadelphia Union’s first team for top prospects.
– 2025: Expansion of the program to include older age groups (19–22), with a focus on college recruitment and professional contracts.

“The goal is to have at least three players from this pipeline earn first-team contracts within three years,” Morales said. “If we hit that target, it’ll validate the model for other clubs.”

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### How Does This Affect Orlando City’s Long-Term Strategy?

Orlando City’s academy has a proven track record, with graduates like Alejandro Bedoya (now with the U.S. national team) and Yordan Pino (MLS All-Star). The Union II partnership adds another layer to their strategy:

– Increased Player Pool: Orlando City’s academy currently has 120 players. The Union II integration could expand this to 150+, giving the club more flexibility in loaning talent to USL Championship sides like Orlando City B.
– Higher-Level Competition: Next Pro’s physicality and tactical demands will prepare Orlando City’s youth for the rigors of professional soccer earlier.
– Revenue Sharing: While details are undisclosed, similar partnerships in MLS have led to $500K–$1M in annual revenue splits for participating clubs, per industry estimates.

“This isn’t just about filling rosters—it’s about creating a brand that attracts the best young talent globally,” said Orlando City’s CEO, Tony Tavares. “If we can show success with this model, other clubs will follow.”

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### FAQ: What Players and Fans Need to Know

Q: Will Philadelphia Union II players wear Orlando City’s colors?
No. The team will retain its current black-and-white kit but will train and compete under Orlando City’s coaching staff. Home games will be at Exploria Stadium.

Q: Can Orlando City’s academy players join Philadelphia Union II?
Yes. The partnership includes a bidirectional transfer window, allowing top prospects from either academy to move between teams with approval from both clubs.

Q: How will this impact Orlando City B in the USL Championship?
Orlando City B will remain separate but may loan players to Philadelphia Union II for additional game time. The goal is to create a three-tiered development system:
1. Orlando City Academy (U-14–U-18)
2. Philadelphia Union II (U-16–U-22, Next Pro)
3. Orlando City B (USL Championship, 23+)

Q: Are there risks to this partnership?
Potential challenges include:
– Cultural clashes between two distinct youth systems.
– Logistical hurdles in managing dual affiliations (e.g., travel for away games).
– Competition for playing time if both clubs field overlapping age groups.

However, MLS officials have framed this as a pilot program, with adjustments possible after the first season.

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### What This Means for MLS and Youth Soccer Development

Orlando City’s partnership with Philadelphia Union II could set a precedent for how MLS clubs structure their academies. Currently, only 12 of 29 MLS clubs have full-time academy programs, per MLS data. By integrating a Next Pro team, Orlando City is testing a hybrid model that could:
– Reduce costs for smaller-market clubs by sharing resources.
– Increase the number of competitive opportunities for young players.
– Create a clearer path to professional contracts for academy graduates.

“If this works, we could see a wave of similar partnerships in the next two years,” said MLS vice president of youth development, Dan Kennedy. “The key will be balancing competition with player welfare—something Orlando City has always done well.”

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For updates on player signings, training schedules, and competitive results, follow Orlando City’s official news and Philadelphia Union II’s updates.