Union II Keep Undefeated Start Alive and Go Top of the League After Draw and PK Win Against NYRB II

While the senior team enjoyed a nice week off from MLS action, there was still football to be played in Chester, with Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II side taking on top-of-the-league New York Red Bulls II in a top-of-the-table clash, and a battle between two undefeated teams.

Marlon LeBlanc made a few changes from the previous game, with Markus Anderson sticking around and starting the game upfront with the returning Eddy Davis III. Neil Pierre made a return to the starting XI, for the first time since the GA Cup win after he featured as a 2^nd half-substitute against Atlanta. Cavan Sullivan also made a return to the subs bench.

Red Bulls II Strike First

The first 15 minutes of the match were nowhere near the start LeBlanc wanted to see from his side, especially coming off a convincing 5-0 win in their last game on the road. New York was dominating the game, with an early header flying over the bar and then Andrew Rick pulling off a great save on the 10th-minute mark. 

New York then capitalized on the early dominance they had, when they found the back of the net just before the 15^th minute. Union II saw their free kick cleared away and NYRB tried to counter with a ball upfield. It should have easily been dealt with by Jamir Berdecio but the right-back slipped over, which allowed Steven Sserwadda to run through on goal and slot the ball past a helpless Andrew Rick. 

The goal certainly woke Union II up and they dominated for the rest of the first half. The first proper chance fell to Markus Anderson, but he failed to keep his shot from sailing over the crossbar. Then Nick Pariano was the next Philly player to have a chance, but just like Anderson, he failed to keep his shot from flying over the top. 

David Vazquez was next in line for a shot to put his team back level but his shot, which was about to test the skills of the NYRB keeper, was deflected into the keeper’s hands. Eddy Davis had the final big chance of the first half, but he could only fire wide from a very promising position. Union II headed into the 2^nd half losing 1-0.

Union II Comeback in the 2nd Half

2^nd half began and Marlon LeBlanc’s side was on top from the kickoff, keeping hold of the ball well and looking for ways to break NYRB’s solid defensive line. It wasn’t until 15 minutes into the 2^nd half that the first big chance would happen for either side.  

Union II picked the ball up in midfield and vice-captain Frankie Westfield made a great run down the left flank, put a great ball into the front post and Eddy Davis slotted home to draw Philly level. 

Just a few minutes later though, Eddy Davis found himself in the best possible position to put LeBlanc’s lads in front, when he ended up through on goal, but he could only watch as his effort was well saved by NYRB’s keeper. 

The last real chance of the 2^nd half fell to CJ Olney. David Vazquez took a free kick, which deflected off the wall and fell right to the feet of Olney. CJ had a great chance to score a potential winner but could only hit his shot straight at the keeper.  

Searching for a late winner, LeBlanc made use of all 5 substitutes available to him as he replaced Markus Anderson, Jamir Berdecio, Nick Pariano, David Vazquez, and goalscorer Eddy Davis with Sal Olivas, Gavin Wetzel, Cavan Sullivan, Giovanny Sequera, and club captain Kyle Tucker. 

Unfortunately for LeBlanc, those changes couldn’t come up with a winner, and the game ended 1-1, with both teams keeping their undefeated streak alive and heading off to the extra point shootout, which if Union II could win, would put the level on points with their opponents at the top of the table.

Union II Go Top of MLS Next Pro With a Shootout Win!

LeBlanc’s side went a perfect 4 for 4 from the penalty spot and their opponents, the league leaders, missed their 2^nd and 4^th penalty, meaning Union II took the extra point with a 4-2 win on penalties and went top of the table in the Eastern Conference on goal difference. A truly incredible start to the season from Marlon LeBlanc and his squad.

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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union II