After captaining Philadelphia Union II to two more wins this week, Union Academy defender Frankie Westfield has been selected as MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek, the league announced on Tuesday.
Westfield went the distance in both matches for Union II as they picked up two points against Orlando City B on Thursday, April 11th, and then put up a decisive 5-0 win over Atlanta United 2 yesterday evening. The 2024 Vice Captain assumed the captain's armband for both games and provided a pair of key playes in their contest against Orlando.
Westfield kept the match scoreless early in the match as he was perfectly placed with a goal line flick to deny Orlando City B the opening goal. After the big defensive stop Westfield and Sal Olivas combined for the opening goal in the 11th minute. Westfield resumed play with a throw in to David Vazquez who quickly shot a pass out to the flank for the Union II left back. With Orlando setting into a defensive shape, Westfield whipped a perfectly placed cross into the box where Olivas tapped it in at the near post.
Against Atlanta United 2, Westfield led the team with five clearances and 56 total touches while winning both of his tackles as Union II jumped into second place in the Eastern Conference.
Union II is back in action on Sunday as they return to Subaru Park for a rivalry showdown against New York Red Bulls II. It's a clash of the top two teams in the East so don't miss the action starting at 3PM on Sunday, April 21st with tickets available for purchase by clicking here.
