February 17 – A meeting of old Caribbean pedigree and modern MLS consistency opens in Port of Spain on Wednesday. Defence Force FC, two-time continental champions and the pride of Trinidad and Tobago, face U.S. opposition for the first time.
The visitors, Philadelphia Union, arrive as 2025 Supporters’ Shield winners and with a curious Champions Cup record — unbeaten in every opening match they’ve played in four previous editions.
This will also be their first-ever series against Caribbean opposition.
Defence Force qualified via a third-place finish in the Caribbean Cup and will lean heavily on home conditions. For the Union, the challenge is composure. History suggests they start fast — but Caribbean nights have a habit of testing even the best-laid plans.
The team is built around the bedrock of goalkeeper Jabari St. Hillaire, whose command between the posts gives Defence Force a chance in tight games, and Rodell Elcock, a veteran defender whose organizational presence helps marshal the back line against fast, technical attacks.
They will not have to deal with last year’s leading scorer Tai Baribo whi has transferred to DC United, The will have to face a new front line that could start
Agustín Anello, the former US youth international attacker who has joined from Boston River in the Uruguayan Primera División.
They will very likely have first sight of the club’s record transfer buy Ezekiel Alladoh (reportedly $4.5 million), The 20-year-old Ghanaian striker joins from Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna.
The Union, if they follow previous form, will likely integrate a host of youngsters from their academy and abroad – even if they’re not yet household names. Defence Force could be the idea time to blood them early in the season, especially if they go a few goals up.
Defence Force FC (TTO) v Philadelphia Union (USA)
Round One, First Leg – Wednesday, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain