To complete Philadelphia Union’s 'Pathway to the Pros' is to advance up club’s ranks from the academy to the first team, ultimately becoming a Homegrown player.
But for Philly-born Frankie Westfield, it means a whole lot more.
On Thursday, the Philadelphia Union announced that Westfield had officially earned that title, signing as the club’s 27th Homegrown player.
“It feels pretty nice – long awaited, but I’m very happy to say that I’m a Homegrown,” Westfield said.
Those who know the 19-year-old defender know he’s as Philly as it gets.
His parents, John and Margaret, were high school athletes at Catholic powerhouse Archbishop Ryan, and after graduation, his dad played soccer and baseball for what was once Philadelphia University. They stayed in the area, and raised Frankie and his four siblings in Northeast Philadelphia.
Westfield’s career started as many Homegrown pathways do – in the Philadelphia Union pre-academy. His love for the Union, however, started as a fan of the club during its inaugural season.
“It's definitely a dream come true, to be honest. Ever since the Union started, actually, I've been watching them. Now, finally putting the jersey on, putting these training shirts on, and even doing these interviews, it's great. I’m very happy.”
Whether you've watched him score a decisive golazo for Union II, track down and muscle an opposing striker, or celebrate an MLS Next Pro playoff win – it’s easy to notice Westfield’s unrelenting spirit.
His mom saw that early in his childhood, so she sent him out to the pitch.
“I’m a pretty energetic guy – I like to move around a lot, and in soccer, you get to run a lot. I think my mom really liked me getting out a lot to run around on the field, even if it was just messing around, because it got me tired,” Westfield laughed.
“Ever since I was little, the love for the game that I had was just unstoppable.”
He was first part of Philadelphia Soccer Club, located a short two-minute drive from his childhood home. He played there until he was scouted to the Philadelphia Union.
“I was just always at that field every single day, practicing, getting better,” he said.
“Then, I first got involved with the Union when I went to a tournament with my old club. There was a Union Academy scout there, and they invited me to come for a little training trial with the pre-Academy. That's where my academy days started.”
His years in the Philadelphia Union Academy were formative, but a pro deal wasn’t always in the cards.
Westfield was originally Penn State bound, but after a head-turning MLS Next Pro season in 2023 and an even better start to 2024, contract talks came to a head. He was hours away from his departure from Philadelphia to State College when he learned his dream of becoming a professional soccer player had come true. On July 5th, he signed an MLS Next Pro contract with Union II.
“There was definitely a lot going on during that time. Sometimes it was up, sometimes it was down, but I’m so happy I got through it. I was a week away from going to Penn State, and then my parents got a text or a call from Ernst [Tanner] asking to talk. They had a meeting, and that's when I got the news,” Westfield said.
“It was just happiness from there.”
That happiness exuded through his play on the field in the months following, especially during the remainder of the 2024 MLS Next Pro regular season campaign and into the playoffs. He finished the year with an impressive seven goals and six assists.
One of the most memorable moments of the season was when Westfield's teammates hoisted him up onto the field barrier LEDs in front of the team’s supporter section, the Bridge Brigade, after he scored the third goal in their 4-0 shutout win over Columbus Crew 2 during the Eastern Conference Final at Subaru Park.
“To be honest, moments like that would just happen. Sometimes in the locker room the day before a game, or even on game day, we would just come up with things – we should do this, we should do that. We should do this handshake, whatever it is,” Westfield said.
“We just have fun with it. I feel like at the end of the day, those celebrations gave us that energy. Whenever we score, we go over and celebrate with each other, and we just keep sparking the energy to keep it going. I really feel like that's how we had so much success going toward the end of the season,” Westfield said.
Westfield says that the 2024 season was one of, if not the biggest, in his career so far. But the Union's season opener against Orlando City SC on February 22nd is right around the corner, and after an impressive two-week stint in Spain, the year ahead could top it.
Though he’s a self-described ‘rookie’ on the first team, Westfield's already built valuable relationships with veterans, and he’s started to lean on them for guidance as he makes his way toward a debut on the Major League Soccer stage.
“I grew up with Quinn Sullivan – he's been a Homegrown, and now a U-22 initiative player, for five years. So, I think he’s my number one that I always go to and ask for advice” Westfield said.
“I feel like growing up with the Sullivans helped me a lot, because we're so competitive, all three of us. Even my brothers and their brothers, and even [Brandan and Andrew] Craig. Whether it's Premier League teams, golf, darts in the meal room, there's always some competition and we’re always learning from each other.”
Westfield was, deservedly, one of Union II’s captains last season, so it’s not a surprise the other names he listed as those he looks up to most are vocal leaders like Jakob Glesnes, Ale Bedoya, and Andre Blake. He also spoke to his respect for Kai Wagner, with whom he shares his position.
“Position-wise, I talk to Kai or Jakob. Kai is probably one of the best left backs in the league, and that's the position I play – right or left, so I’m always trying to replicate and match him,” Westfield said.
Philadelphia Union’s defense has undergone significant personnel change in the past year, and now as a first-teamer, he could be called on to contribute. In 2024, Westfield was elevated to the bench on July 20th for Philadelphia’s game against Nashville SC, supplementing defensive depth when the team was shorthanded due to last summer’s slew of international tournaments.
Though he didn’t log any minutes, there was no lack of support for the budding player. Philly’s Westfield clan came out to the match, just like they do for Union II, in droves, tailgating at Union Yards, spending time together, and cheering on their very own.
“They mean everything – all my heart and soul. I put all this all together for them. I step on that field for them. I play for them,” Westfield said.
“I think they have this little group chat for the tailgates. Cousins, aunts, uncles, even my grandparents. They all come and support me, so I want to put on a show for them. It's definitely great having them along with me.”
The best is yet to come for Westfield. He’s already won over the affection of Union II’s steadfast supporters, and now, he’s ready to show the rest of the Union fan community what he brings to the table.
“I'm going to bring hard work, stay loyal to you guys, and I'm looking forward to seeing you guys at Subaru Park and getting a lot of wins there,” Westfield said.
