Defence Force FC vs. Philadelphia Union - News - February 18, 2026

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Benjamin Bender - Picks up injury Bender is in the injury report prior to Saturday's season opener versus D.C. United, according to Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report.

Impact Bender barely played during the previous campaign, so his potential absence would limit the depth of the squad in upcoming contests. While Bender is currently a doubt for the next games, Milan Iloski and Indiana Vassilev should be the main options in attacking midfield roles.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Agustin Anello - Doubtful with muscle issues Anello could be sidelined in the initial games of the season because of minor muscular problems, Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report reports.

Impact Anello is being assessed by the team while he works on his recovery, but he's unlikely to play a major role even if he returns to full training in the short term. The 23-year-old joined Philadelphia from Uruguayan side Boston River in February, and could eventually serve as an alternative to Milan Iloski on the left wing.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Jovan Lukic - Dealing with rib contusion Lukic is considered day to day while recovers from a rib contusion, Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report reports.

Impact Lukic might have to sit out Saturday's visit to D.C. United if he continues to struggle with the injury, in which case Jesus Bueno and Danley Jean Jacques should play in central midfield. The Serbian was a regular starter in the 2025 campaign, so it could be a serious blow to the team if he's sidelined for a lengthy period.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Indiana Vassilev - Returns in Concacaf Vassilev (undisclosed) featured about 10 minutes in Wednesday's 5-0 win against Defence Force FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, confirming he is back available for Philadelphia.

Impact Vassilev had been working his way back from an injury picked up during Philadelphia's preseason, but he looks to have put it behind him, logging about 10 minutes in Wednesday's Concacaf Champions Cup win. That late cameo is a strong indicator that he's trending in the right direction from a fitness standpoint. It's a welcome development for Philly, given how central he was last season, making 34 appearances with 23 starts while punching in six goals and adding two assists.

FEBRUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Finn Sundstrom - Features in Concacaf Sundstrom (undisclosed) featured about 20 minutes in Wednesday's 5-0 win against Defence Force FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, confirming he is back available for Philadelphia.

Impact Sundstrom was managing a minor knock during Philly's preseason, but he appears to have shaken it off in time for the club's first official match, logging around 20 minutes in Wednesday's win in the Concacaf Champions Cup. That cameo is an encouraging sign that he is trending in the right direction physically. This is a boost for Philadelphia as he gives the backline another reliable depth piece heading into the 2026 MLS season.

FEBRUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

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Defence Force FC vs. Philadelphia Union - News: Feb 18, 2026

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