Neil Pierre: Philadelphia Union's towering defender reaches USMNT

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Major League Soccer

·1 October 2026

Neil Pierre: Philadelphia Union's towering defender reaches USMNT

By Jonathan Sigal

Neil Pierre goes bowling with his Philadelphia Union brothers

OneFootball Videos

Philadelphia Union center back Neil Pierre has gone from prospect to star for club and country, emerging as one of Major League Soccer's brightest young talents.

The 18-year-old defender spent the first half of 2026 on loan at Lyngby Boldklub, honing his game in the Danish second division.

Fast forward several months and the homegrown player is in his first US men's national team camp, debuting alongside club teammates Cavan Sullivan and Frankie Westfield.

Beforehand, Pierre contributed four goals and one assist in 11 games for Philadelphia. He's become a key starter under interim head coach Ryan Richter and, with an imposing 6-foot-7 frame, has helped power the Union's historic form following the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.

In the latest Off The Ball episode, learn more about Pierre's background and the family-like environment that allows him to thrive in Philadelphia.