The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season has come to a close, but the action is far from over for Philadelphia Union II as the team’s playoff campaign begins on Sunday evening at Subaru Park. Kickoff is still days away, but excitement is aplenty at the club's campus in Chester -- on Wednesday, MLS NEXT Pro honored announced that Philadelphia Union Academy products CJ Olney and Frankie Westfield had earned a spot on the league's 2024 Best XI.
To celebrate the achievement, the pair was gifted custom jerseys pressed with 'Best XI' to commemorate the season.
“It feels awesome. It’s something I've thought about since the start of the season," Olney after second team Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc and first team Head Coach Jim Curtin surprised him with the news.
"I always just try to put my best foot forward out there and play the best that I possibly can for myself and for the team."
Olney impressed with six assists and eight goals through 1867 minutes played this season, but when reflecting on the award, he was quick to credit the teammates around him.
“Everyone is really close together on and off the field, going to school together, going to the training together, everything. Even hanging out off the field. Just bringing together the group has been awesome, and it's helped me perform well on the field and get really close with the guys.”
As for Westfield, the 18-year-old vice captain hadn’t yet returned from United States Youth National Team U-20 camp when the news was announced, but Olney, who shares the left side of the pitch with him, made sure to shoutout his teammate's achievement as well.
"Frankie and I run the left side all season, and to be able to share this with him is awesome. I can't wait to see when he gets back tomorrow.”
