Monday night brings another MLS Next Pro gameday, and this one will be one of the biggest games of the season. Ryan Richter’s Union II side travels on the road to rivals and top-of-the-table New York Red Bulls II in a game that could take Union II to the top of the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference standings.
Union II vs Red Bulls II will decide the top of the East
Union II is coming off the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over an in-form FC Cincinnati side that was looking to jump into the playoff spots. Kellan LeBlanc scored the only goal of the game, 2 minutes into the tie, and it was a strike that earned him the Goal of the Matchweek award.
Pierce Holbrook has been incredible since signing with Ryan Richter’s side. He remained in great form as he collected his fourth clean sheet in a row. Union II is currently the best defense in the Eastern Conference.
Eastern Conference standing toppers, NYRB II, enter the game off the back of their own hard-fought victory, as they beat Columbus Crew 2 on the road 2-1. The game ended with both teams being reduced to 10 men, with Andy Rojas opening the scoring for the league leaders. Then Aidan Jarvis scored the game winner in the 2nd half to keep NYRB II on level points with Ryan Richter’s men in the Eastern Conference standings.
These two sides have already faced each other this season, back in March, near the start of the season, and it was Ryan Richter’s men who came out on top through the extra-point shootout. Cavan Sullivan opened the scoring in that one in the 20th minute. Gavin Wetzel was sent off with 10 minutes to play, and with barely a minute left in the game, Tanner Rosborough levelled the game and took it to an extra-point shootout.
The game is going to be entertaining because it’s 1st vs. 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings. It’s also a clash between the best defense in the East and the team with the most goals in the Eastern Conference. NYRB II has 49 goals across 20 games this season, while Union II has only conceded 17 goals in 19 games so far this season.
The game is set to kick off at 7pm ET at MSU Soccer Park. If you aren’t making the trip to New York, you can stream it on Apple TV via an active MLS Season Pass subscription.
Be sure to return to Philly Sports Network for more Philadelphia Union and other soccer content!
Follow our Union team on Twitter:
Tim Lovenguth | Jimmy King | Nate TennesenSteve Beavon | Eric Frysinger | Paul FrenzelTomiwa Aderinoye | Christopher Babos | Liam Jenkins
Doop on Union fans!
Featured Image Credit: Philadelphia Union II
