Philadelphia Union opened its 2026 schedule with a dominant 5-0 victory over Defence Force FC in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round One series Wednesday evening at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Milan Iloski initiated the scoring in the 29th minute, converting a free kick from outside the penalty area. Three minutes later, Ezekial Alladoh extended the lead, heading in a cross from Frankie Westfield. The Union continued its offensive pressure, with Olwethu Makhanya adding another goal in the 64th minute off a corner kick delivered by Iloski.
Bruno Damiani further solidified the Union’s advantage in the 69th minute, his shot deflected past the Defence Force FC goalkeeper. Damiani then secured his brace in the 81st minute, successfully converting a penalty awarded after a VAR review.
The match marked the first competitive appearances of the year for the Philadelphia Union, and the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. It also represents the first time Philadelphia Union has faced a Caribbean club in the Champions Cup series. The Union previously competed in the First Round in 2024, defeating Deportivo Saprissa 6-5 on aggregate.
Philadelphia Union’s starting XI included the debuts of forwards Ezekial Alladoh and Stas Korzeniowski, alongside homegrown players Andrew Rick, Jeremy Rafanello, and Frankie Westfield, all earning their first starts in Concacaf Champions Cup action. The starting lineup consisted of Andrew Rick in goal; Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Jeremy Rafanello, and Frankie Westfield on defense; Alejandro Bedoya, Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, and Milan Iloski in midfield; and Ezekial Alladoh and Stas Korzeniowski up front.
The second leg of the series is scheduled for next Thursday at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The aggregate winner will advance to the Round of 16.
