Neil Pierre
PHI
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Oct 19, 2007 (19)
Right
6'5"
176 lb
Scores fifth goal in defeat
Pierre scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 loss against New England Revolution.
Analysis: Pierre scored once from two shots (one on target) across the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to New England. He forced Matt Turner into a first-half save with a powerful header before conceding the late penalty that allowed Carles Gil to double the visitors' advantage, although he made amends by heading home Kai Wagner's delivery in the 102nd minute. Pierre now has five MLS goals this season, extending his club record for goals by a defender in a single campaign, but his late strike was not enough to salvage a point.
Signs long-term extension
Pierre has signed a new contract with Philadelphia Union through the 2030-31 season, with a club option for the 2031-32 campaign, according to the club.
Analysis: Pierre has earned a long-term extension following a breakout 2026 campaign in which he has scored four goals across 14 MLS appearances, setting a new Philadelphia single-season record for goals by a defender. The 19-year-old center-back has established himself as an important part of the Union's defensive rotation after returning from a loan spell at Danish side Lyngby, where he recorded four goals in 10 appearances. His performances also earned him seventh place on MLS's 2026 22 Under 22 list and his first senior United States national team call-up. The new deal secures his future in Philadelphia as he continues developing into a regular contributor at the MLS level.
Returns from first USMNT stint
Pierre has rejoined Philadelphia Union following his first senior international call-up with the United States and is available for Saturday's MLS clash against Real Salt Lake after being omitted from the league's latest injury report.
Analysis: Pierre missed the matchup against Orlando City SC while representing the USMNT during the international break but is now back in contention for a starting role in central defense. The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, scoring four goals across just 11 MLS appearances to set a new Union single-season scoring record for a defender. He previously represented the United States at the U17 and U19 levels before earning his first senior call-up, marking another significant milestone in his development. Geiner Martinez was expected to provide cover during his absence, but Pierre should be in a strong position to reclaim his place in the starting XI against Real Salt Lake.
Earns first senior call-up
Pierre was called for the first time by the USMNT for the upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada and will miss Saturday's clash against Orlando due to the call up, returning for the match against Real Salt Lake on October 10, according to the club.
Analysis: Pierre has scored four goals in just 11 MLS appearances this season, setting a new Union single season record for goals by a defender, and has been a standout throughout the U.S. youth national team system, appearing with both the U17s and U19s. This call up now marks a significant milestone in a breakthrough campaign for the 18 year old defender. Geiner Martinez is expected to replace him in central defense during his absence.
Active defensively in shutout
Pierre had five tackles (three won), six clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-0 victory over CF Montreal.
Analysis: Pierre registered five tackles (three won), five clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-0 win over Montreal, delivering the most physically dominant defensive performance of the match and breaking up multiple Montreal counter-attacks that could have changed the scoreline. Having accumulated 18 tackles, nine interceptions and 40 clearances across just eight MLS appearances, his output rate per game is among the highest of any centre-back in the Eastern Conference, and his partnership with Nathan Harriel gives Philadelphia one of the most reliable defensive pairings in the league.
Scores fourth goal of season
Pierre scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win against New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Pierre converted Bruno Damiani's delivery with a sliding finish in the 65th minute to score Philadelphia's third goal of the match. The center-back also delivered a strong defensive performance, recording two tackles won, one interception and five clearances across 90 minutes. Pierre has remarkably scored four goals in just seven MLS appearances this season, providing Philadelphia with significant attacking production from central defense in addition to his defensive contributions.
Keeps up scoring form
Pierre scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Pierre continues to establish himself as a powerful aerial and set piece threat, netting his third goal in five MLS games since returning from loan, a stretch in which he has taken 11 shots. The center back has also been solid defensively, winning 15 of 17 aerial duels and 11 of 14 ground duels, while making seven tackles, three interceptions and 23 clearances across those games.
Scores from defense
Pierre scored one goal to go with six shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Atlanta United.
Analysis: Pierre would come up with a goal from the defense Saturday, leveling the game for Philly in stoppage time via a header. The defender has only appeared three times for the first team but already has two goals, as he also scored in his debut. That said, he would also add three tackles and three clearances in the defense Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes.
Nets first MLS goal
Pierre scored a goal while taking three shots (one on goal) during Wednesday's 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Pierre entered the match in the 56th minute and scored the Union's final goal ten minutes later. The goal was the first in Pierre's MLS career in his first appearance this season.
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