Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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From Eastern Pennsylvania to the FIFA World Cup: Five Local Players Named to USMNT Roster

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The United States Men’s National Team officially announced its roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with five players connected to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer earning spots on soccer’s biggest stage.

Among the local standouts selected are goalkeeper Matt Freese (Wayne, Pa.), defender Auston Trusty (Media, Pa.), midfielder Christian Pulisic (Hershey, Pa.), midfielder Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) and defender Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.).

Freese played for Penn Fusion before starring at Harvard University and eventually beginning his professional career with the Philadelphia Union organization. Trusty developed through Nether United and Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program before joining the Philadelphia Union Academy, while Aaronson and McKenzie both came through the Philadelphia Union Academy pathway and represented the Union professionally before making moves to Europe.

Pulisic, meanwhile, spent time playing locally with PA Classics and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever produced from the region.

Together, the five players represent the continued growth and strength of soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania and the surrounding area, with local clubs and development pathways continuing to produce talent at the highest level of the game.

Pulisic enters the tournament with 84 international appearances, 32 goals and 19 assists for the United States. Aaronson has also been a key contributor for the national team with 57 caps, nine goals and seven assists.

McKenzie brings valuable experience to the U.S. back line with 27 appearances and one assist at the international level, while Trusty has earned six caps and two assists since making his senior national team debut. Freese heads into the World Cup with 14 caps and three clean sheets for the United States.

Below is the full United States Men’s National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with the team’s group stage schedule.

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ROSTER BY POSITION
(CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS; HOMETOWN)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0; Naperville, Ill.), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 14/0; Wayne, Pa.), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 53/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)

DEFENDERS (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 18/1; Fresno, Calif.), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 37/2; Almere, Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 15/2; Plantation, Fla.), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 27/0; Bear, Del.), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 80/1; St. Louis, Mo.), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 36/3; Birmingham, Ala.), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 52/4; Liverpool, England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 38/3; Arlington, Mass.), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 24/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 6/0; Media, Pa.)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps; 11/1; Columbus, Ohio), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 64/12; Little Elm, Texas), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 36/9; Bedford, N.Y.), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 45/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 28/3; Fürth, Germany)

FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 57/9; Medford, N.J.), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 25/8; London, England), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/13; El Paso, Texas), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 84/32; Hershey, Pa.), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille/FRA; 49/7; Rosedale, N.Y.), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 20/7; Los Angeles, Calif.). Alejandro Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 13/2; El Paso, Texas)

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 GROUP STAGE SCHEDULE

  • USMNT vs. Paraguay: June 12 2026 | 9:00PM EDT | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • USMNT vs. Australia: June 19 2026 | 3:00PM EDT | Seattle Stadium, Seattle, WA, USA
  • Türkiye vs. USMNT: June 25 2026 | 10:00PM EDT | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USA

West Chester Advances to National Quarterfinals

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West Chester University Women’s Soccer is moving on! The Golden Rams earned a 1-0 victory over Shepherd on Sunday afternoon to claim their eighth Atlantic Regional Championship and secure a spot in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals.

It marks West Chester’s second regional title in the last four years and another milestone under head coach Betty Ann Kempf Townsley, a former Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program coach who continues to lead one of the region’s most consistent postseason contenders.

With the victory, West Chester improves to 16-2-4 and remains one of the last teams standing in the national bracket. Next up is a National Quarterfinal matchup with Franklin Pierce on Saturday, December 6 with the winner advancing to the National Semifinals in Colorado Springs.

Good luck to the Golden Rams as they continue their postseason run!

Still Dancing: Jefferson and West Chester Head to NCAA Third Round

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Two Eastern Pennsylvania programs are moving forward in the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Tournament. Jefferson University and West Chester University advanced through the opening rounds and will now compete in the third round on November 30.

Jefferson earned its spot with back-to-back 2-1 wins, starting with a double-overtime victory against Wilmington (DE) in the first round. The Rams followed that performances with another strong showing, defeating Saint Anselm 2-1 to keep their postseason run alive.

West Chester put together an impressive run as well. The Golden Rams opened with a 5-2 win over West Virginia State, then posted a 2-0 shutout against Fairmont State to move on to the third round.

Next up, Jefferson will face Franklin Pierce at noon on Sunday, November 30 while West Chester will meet Shepherd at 1 P.M. Good luck to both teams!

College Soccer Playoffs: November 20–22

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College playoff season is here, and teams from across Eastern Pennsylvania are gearing up for a huge week of NCAA Tournament action. From Division I to Division III, our local programs are stepping onto the national stage with a chance to extend their seasons and make deep postseason runs.  

Division I Men’s:

  • Lafayette vs. Cornell 
    • November 20 | 5 P.M.  

Division III Men’s:

  • Dickinson vs. Lynchburg 
    • November 22 | 10 A.M. 
  • Messiah vs. Tufts 
    • November 22 | 11 A.M. 

Division I Women’s:

  • Penn State vs. Virginia 
    • November 20 | 6 P.M. 

Divison II Women’s:

  • Kutztown vs. Fairmount St. 
    • November 21 | 10 A.M. 
  • Bloomsburg vs. Gannon 
    • November 21 | 1 P.M. 
  • West Chester vs. West Virginia St.  
    • November 21 | 1 P.M. 
  • Jefferson vs. Wilmington (DE) 
    • November 21 | 3 P.M. 

Division III Women’s:

  • Messiah vs. Calvin  
    • November 21 | 1:30 P.M. 
  • Penn State Harrisburg vs. Mary Washington 
    • November 22 | 1:30 P.M. 
  • Swarthmore vs. Carleton 
    • November 22 | 2:30 P.M. 

U.S. Men’s National Team Returns to Subaru Park with Strong Local Ties

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When the U.S. Men’s National Team takes the field at Subaru Park on November 15, fans in Eastern Pennsylvania will see more than a world-class matchup with several familiar faces taking the field close to home.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-player roster features several players with deep roots in the Philadelphia area, including three who came through the Philadelphia Union Academy and grew up playing in the Eastern Pennsylvania youth soccer community.

Brenden Aaronson, the Medford, New Jersey native rose through the Union Academy before starring for the first team, returns to the stadium where his professional career began. Mark McKenzie, another former Union homegrown, developed in the academy systems and quickly became one of the most respected young defenders in the country. Auston Trusty, born in Media and a product of Nether United and the Union Academy, continues his rise on the international stage after years of representing the region with pride.

Fans will get the chance to cheer on the local standouts as the USMNT hosts World-Cup bound Paraguay at Subaru Park on Saturday, November 15 at 5 P.M. To purchase tickets, click here.

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 11/0), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/ITA; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 14/1), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/2), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 11/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC/FRA; 24/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 78/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 37/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 21/0), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 7/0), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 11/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 32/8), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 41/0), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 10/0), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 1/0)

FORWARDS (5): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 54/9), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/FRA; 27/7), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 16/3), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 33/13), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 19/7)

Christian Pulisic Joins Former Eastern Pennsylvania Players on October USMNT Camp Roster 

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U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named 26 players to the roster for October training camp as the United States prepares for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.  

Christian Pulisic, a Hershey native and product of PA Classics, headlines the group. He’s joined by Wayne-born goalkeeper Matt Freese, as well as Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, both products of the Philadelphia Union Academy.  

The October matches will see the USMNT face Ecuador at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on October 10 before meeting Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on October 14. Both opponents have already qualified for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, providing an important test for the United States as preparations continue.  

Fans in our region will also have the chance to see the team in action this fall, when the USMNT plays New Zealand at Subaru Park on November 15 at 5 P.M. Tickets are available now.  

College Games of the Week: September 15-21

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College soccer is in full swing across Pennsylvania, with Division I, II, and III programs set for a bust week of action. From West Chester hosting Holy Family to Senior Day celebrations at Saint Joseph’s, Villanova, and Drexel later in the week, it’s a packed schedule across Eastern Pennsylvania.  

Whether you’re catching Temple under the lights on Tuesday, cheering on Kutztown’s Youth Soccer Night Wednesday, or tuning in for Ivy League rivalries on Friday, there’s plenty of games this week.  

Stay tuned for next week when we highlight the High School Games of the Week! 

  • D2: West Chester Men’s Soccer vs. Holy Family 
    • Monday, November 3 | 2 P.M. | John A. Rockwell Field 
  • D3: Delaware Valley Men’s Soccer vs. University of Valley Forge  
    • Monday, September 15 | 4 P.M. | Robert A. Lipinski Field at James Work Memorial Stadium   
  • D3: Eastern Men’s Soccer vs. Ursinus 
    • Tuesday, September 16 | 3:30 P.M. | Olson Field 
  • D1: Temple Men’s Soccer vs. Lafayette  
    • Tuesday, September 16 | 7 P.M. | Temple Sports Complex  
  • D1: Drexel Men’s Soccer vs. UPenn 
    • Tuesday, September 16 | 7 P.M. | Vidas Field 
  • D3: Widener Men’s Soccer vs. Swarthmore 
    • Tuesday, September 16 | 7 P.M. | Elizabeth J. Hirschmann Field at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium 
  • D2: Thomas Jefferson Men’s Soccer vs. Bloomsburg  
    • Wednesday, September 17 | 4 P.M. | Ravenhill Field 
  • D2: Shippensburg University Women’s Soccer vs. Bloomsburg 
    • Wednesday, September 17 | 5:30 P.M. | David See Field 
  • D3: Kutztown Women’s Soccer vs. Shepherd – Youth Soccer Night 
    • Wednesday, September 17 | 7 P.M. | Keystone Field 
  • D3: University of Scranton Men’s Soccer vs. Penn State Abington 
    • Wednesday, September 17 | 7 P.M. | Weiss Field 
  • D1: University of Pennsylvania Women’s Soccer vs. Princeton 
    • Friday, September 19 | 6 P.M. | Rhodes Field 
  • D3: Franklin & Marshall Women’s Soccer vs. Muhlenberg 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 12 P.M. | Tylus Field (Kenny Gramas ‘88 Pavilion)  
  •  D1: Saint Joseph’s Women’s Soccer vs. Rhode Island – Senior Day 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 1 P.M.  | Sean Sweeney Field 
  • D3: Millersville Men’s Soccer vs. Lock Haven 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 2 P.M. | Pucillo Field   
  • D1: Villanova Women’s Soccer vs. Seton Hall – Senior Day 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 4 P.M.  | Higgins Soccer Complex   
  • D2: Bloomsburg University Women’s Soccer vs. West Chester 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 4 P.M.  | Steph Pettit Stadium 
  • D3: Penn State Harrisburg Men’s Soccer vs. Messiah 
    • Saturday, September 20 | 7 P.M. | Multipurpose Turf Field 
  • D1: Drexel Women’s Soccer vs. Hampton – Senior Day 
    • Sunday, September 21 | 1 P.M. | Vidas Field  

Christian Pulisic Wins Best Soccer Player at 2025 ESPY Awards, Alex Morgan Honored with Icon Award 

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U.S. Soccer was well represented at the 2025 ESPY Awards, with Christian Pulisic and Alex Morgan taking home awards.

Pulisic, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania and a former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer player, was named Best Soccer Player after a standout year with AC Milan and the U.S. Men’s National Team.  

Former U.S. Women’s National Team star Alex Morgan received the Icon Award, recognizing her legendary career and impact on and off the field. Morgan was honored alongside WNBA great Diana Taurasi.  

Pulisic’s win is a proud moment for Eastern Pennsylvania, where his soccer journey began.

SEPA Soccer Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Inductees and Award Winners 

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This past Saturday, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame held its annual banquet, honoring the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and recognizing standout contributors from across the region’s soccer community. The event brought together players, coaches, referees, and leaders to celebrate excellence in the game.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes 11 distinguished individuals from various levels and roles within soccer:

  • Bridgette Alexander
  • Bobby Andrews
  • Johnson Bowie
  • Amber Brooks
  • Tom Carlin
  • Ed Decker
  • Dennis Drumm
  • John Lavelle
  • Tom McDonald
  • Kevin McNally
  • Jim Wilkinson

In addition to the inductees, several annual awards were presented to recognize standout performances and contributions across all areas of the game:

2025 Award Winners

  • Tom Paton Award – Female Player of the Year: Kylie Maxwell, Ukrainian Nationals
  • Bill Peterman Award – Male Player of the Year: Finn Murray, LaSalle HS
  • Charlotte Moran Award – Coach of the Year (Female Team): Brigid Sullivan Kelley
  • John (Jukey) Nanoski Award – Coach of the Year (Male Team): Joe Caruolo
  • Ned Potts Award – Club of the Year: Ukrainian Nationals
  • Harry Rodgers Award – Referee of the Year: Tim Shaw and Shawn Schneider
  • Nick Cinquanto Award – Young Referee of the Year: Drew Boligitz
  • Paul Stilley/Little Club Administrator of the Year: Michelle Ganley, Bridesburg Cougars
  • Chick Fallon Award – Service to Soccer: Tom Keenan

This year’s banquet also featured a special tribute to referees. All active and retired referees in attendance were recognized for their dedication to the game.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer congratulates all of this year’s honorees and thanks them for their continued contributions to the sport and our soccer community.