After a three-week break since their last game, Coach Richter’s Union II side finally returns to action as they welcome Carolina Core FC to Subaru Park in the 2026 MLS Next Pro Season.
Union II returns to action after a long period off and will be looking for an offensive spark and a return to winning ways after their last game ended in a 1-1 draw away from home against defending champions Red Bull New York II. George Marks continued his incredible start to the season by saving three penalties and then scoring the winning one for Union II, securing the extra point.
Philadelphia Union II first Starting XI for the 2026 season
Image Provided / Philadelphia Union II
Union II currently sits 8th in the Eastern Conference standings, seven points off the top spot, though they have a couple of games in hand on some of the teams around them. They have a phenomenal defensive record this season, conceding only three goals in four games, but they have struggled offensively, scoring only four goals in those four games.
The visitors to Subaru Park in this one are Carolina Core FC, who currently sit 15th in the Eastern Conference standings with just two points from their opening four games and a winless start to the season. They last played at the end of March when they played in a goalless draw with Inter Miami II. Carolina Core would then lose the extra point penalty shootout 2-0.
Sal Olivas tries to progress the ball for Union II vs CT United
Image Provided / Philadelphia Union II
While Union II has been away on a three-week break, many of the players were with the Academy team on their way to winning the Dallas Cup over that 3-week break, and hopefully those Academy players will bring that form with them now that they’re back with Union II.
These two teams played each other just once last year, back in July, when Union II headed out on the road to face Carolina. Ryan Richter will be hoping for an easier time in this year's matchup, given last year’s ended up in a 3-2 loss for his Union II side.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm ET on Sunday, April 12th at Subaru Park. Tickets are still available to purchase, but if you can’t make it to the ground for the game, the match will be streamed for free to viewers worldwide on both the MLS Next Pro website and the OneFootball platforms.
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