Union II Face Revenge Match Against FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS Next Pro Action

Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II side are back in action this mid-week as they play hosts to the only team that has managed to beat them, FC Cincinnati 2, in a revenge match. Will the Baby Snakes manage to exact revenge on the only team to stop their reign of dominance?

Union II vs FCC 2 Preview

Union II is coming off another fantastic win last weekend, as they returned to Subaru Park and convincingly beat Columbus Crew 2 3-1. Sal Olivas was amongst the goals once again this season, grabbing a brace, including an absolute rocket from just outside the box. CJ Olney provided the assist to Olivas’ first goal of the game and the midfield maestro then added a goal of his own to kill the game off, after Columbus had managed to cut the deficit to just 1, minutes before. 

Roster changes and teamsheet changes are a custom to life in the MLS Next Pro, and no one knows that more than Marlon LeBlanc and Union II. They currently field the youngest team in the league, so academy graduates are a regular thing for LeBlanc to deal with, but LeBlanc will be losing some of his most coveted and senior members of his squad, as both David Vazquez and CJ Olney have been named to the United States Under-19’s National Team.  

While changes will have to be made to the team offensively, LeBlanc will be relieved that Union II’s incredible back four will stay intact for this one. UII’s defense currently ranks as the 2^nd best in all of MLS Next Pro, with only 11 goals conceded. LeBlanc heavily relied on youth last game out, with 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan making his first full start for the team, and a further 3 15-year-olds coming onto the pitch throughout the game.

Can Union II get revenge?

FC Cincinnati arrive in Philadelphia as the only team to beat Union II this season, after convincingly beating their hosts in this one 3-1 back in Ohio in late April. Gerardo Valenzuela was on fire during the game, grabbing a hat trick of goals that blew Marlon LeBlanc’s side away.  

Cincy 2 currently sits 4^th in the Eastern Conference standings and they arrive on the back of a loss after going 5 wins back to back. A former Union Academy member was the player to break that streak, Nykolas Sessock, as he scored in stoppage time to lead his Inter Miami II side to a 1-0 win. 

The visitors come into this one with a big advantage over Philly, their last match, that 1-0 loss to Inter Miami II, was back on May 26^th, meaning Cincy 2 has had a week and a half to rest up and prepare for this game.  

Former Union Academy player Stefan Chirila will play a key part for Cincy 2 if they want to double up on wins against Philly, with the forward being named MLS Next Pro Rising Star of the Month for May after registering 4 goals and 1 assist. 

The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm ET down at Subaru Park on Thursday 6^th June. The game will be broadcasted on Apple TV, an active MLS Season Pass subscription is needed to view the game.

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