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Chester Today
By the People, for the People
Union Complete Dominant 12-0 Aggregate Win in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Philadelphia Union cruise past Defence Force with 7-0 victory in second leg
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Philadelphia Union completed a dominant 12-0 aggregate victory over Defence Force in the opening round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, earning a berth in the Round of 16 against Mexico's Club America. The Union won the first leg 5-0 and followed that up with a 7-0 win in the second leg, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan becoming the youngest U.S. player to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
Why it matters
The Union's convincing performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup showcases the strength of the MLS club and their ability to compete at the highest levels of North American soccer. The young talent on display, like 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, also highlights the depth of the Union's roster and the promising future of the club.
The details
In the second leg, the Union scored three goals in the first 12 minutes to put the match out of reach for Defence Force. Geiner Martinez, Jovan Lukic, and Stas Korzeniowski all found the back of the net early to give the Union a commanding lead. Korzeniowski, Ben Bender, and Sullivan added second-half goals to complete the 7-0 rout.
- The first leg was played on February 18 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where the Union won 5-0.
- The second leg was played on February 27 in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The players
Cavan Sullivan
A 16-year-old player who became the youngest U.S. player to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
Stas Korzeniowski
A Philadelphia Union player who scored twice in the second leg.
Jovan Lukic
A Philadelphia Union player who scored a penalty kick in the second leg.
Geiner Martinez
A Philadelphia Union player who scored the opening goal in the second leg.
Ben Bender
A Philadelphia Union player who scored a goal in the second leg.
What they’re saying
“Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan becoming the youngest U.S. player to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match is a testament to the depth of talent on our roster.”
— Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union Head Coach (Philadelphia Inquirer)
What’s next
The Philadelphia Union will face Mexico's Club America in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The takeaway
The Philadelphia Union's dominant performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup opening round showcases their ability to compete at the highest levels of North American soccer, while also highlighting the promising future of the club with the emergence of young talents like Cavan Sullivan.
