Philadelphia Union II today announced the addition of former Union midfielder Fred da Silva and former U15 Union Academy Head Coach Henry Apaloo as assistant coaches ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The duo join new Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter as the club looks to build on a successful 2024 campaign in which Union II became Eastern Conference Champions and reached the MLS NEXT Pro Cup for the first time in club history.
Da Silva, previously the Head Coach of Union 3, brings extensive experience in youth development. He began his coaching career in 2016 as the U12 Union Academy Head Coach before being promoted to U14 Head Coach in 2017 and later leading Union 3 in 2020. Before transitioning into coaching, da Silva played professionally in Brazil, Australia, and Major League Soccer with D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union.
Apaloo joins Union II from the Union Academy U15 squad, where he served as Head Coach. He brings experience across MLS, USL, and European football, including roles with Aberdeen FC as a first-team assistant and analyst, and Atlanta United FC at both the MLS and USL levels. He also held coaching positions at the University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Barry University, specializing in player development, analysis, and scouting.
With their earliest start in MLS NEXT Pro history, Union II kicks off their season on March 9 against New England Revolution II at Gillette Stadium.
