Union II Return Home and Welcome Columbus Crew 2 to Subaru Park in MLS Next Pro Action

Philadelphia Union II is back in MLS Next Pro action this Sunday as they finally return home and welcome Columbus Crew 2 to Philly. Marlon LeBlanc’s side will be looking to stay at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a win at home.

Union II vs Crew 2 Preview

Union II is coming off an unbelievable away performance in New York that saw them secure the MLS Next Pro Team of the Month award for May, as they annihilated Red Bulls II 5-1. David Vazquez and substitute Markus Anderson both grabbed braces for the team, with Vazquez earning himself the MLS Next Pro Goal of the Matchweek with an expertly finished free kick in the second half.

Their opponents this Sunday evening are coming off a tough 2-1 loss to Chicago Fire II. Columbus took the lead very early on in the game but a penalty just before halftime and the eventual winner just minutes into the 2^nd half meant Columbus would suffer a defeat and manage only to have 15 points in 10 games this season. 

Marlon LeBlanc will have quite the headache this weekend, with Andrew Rick and Olwethu Makhanya both called up to cover for the senior team, both Jamir Berdecio and David Vazquez being called up to the National Team squads, and MLS Next Playoffs are just around the corner with graduation too.

Union II is looking to produce what they produced in May for June, as during their games in May they managed to have a 100% record, going 3-0-0, and have a combined score line of 10-2 during those 3 games.  

This will be an interesting matchup, Columbus isn’t enjoying a great season this season, but this is the team that won the inaugural MLS Next Pro season. just like Union II, they have a lot of contributors to their style of football and the goals they score. 

Columbus has had 10 different players pop up with goals this season and they do offer a big threat going forward from many angles, Brent Adu-Gyamfi and Chase Adams are the names that come to mind, so Union II’s stellar defense is needed again for this one. 

The game is set to kick off at 6 pm ET at Subaru Park, if you can’t get down to the stadium and watch the action in person, you can watch the game at home through Apple TV and an active MLS Season Pass subscription. 

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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union II