Union II vs FC Cincinnati II: Match preview for clash of titans in MLS Next Pro

MLS Next Pro action awaits the Philadelphia Union II on Friday as they return home and welcome their top of the table partners FC Cincinnati 2 to Subaru Park. Games in the MLS Next Pro don’t get much bigger than this and a win would be the perfect statement for Union II to make. 

Tough sledding for Union II

Marlon LeBlanc’s side are coming off the back of 2 heartbreaking defeats where late goals has cost them from taking some points home with them. After losing to NYCFC II thanks to two late goals from the home side, Union II faced off with Columbus Crew 2 looking to bounce back.  

Instead, late disaster was waiting for the young Philly side as they headed into stoppage time losing 2-1. Eddy Davis got a goal early in the second half and his 11^th of the season before Gavin Wetzel, who was making his first start for quite a while, thought his first career goal in the 93^rd minute would be enough to even the points between the side. A last second penalty was conceded and Columbus came away with all 3 points. 

The defeat has now taken Union II out of top spot, whilst they share the same points as their opponents today, with both on 38 points, FC Cincinnati 2 hold top spot thanks to having more wins in regulation. 

The drop in form for Union II can be put down to the roster issues that the team has had to deal with over the past few weeks. David Vazquez has been away on international duty with US U20’s and the likes of CJ Olney, Andrew Rick, and Frankie Westfield have all been with the senior team during their Leagues Cup campaign. Whilst Vazquez is now back from international duty, the other three may still be missing due to Philly playing Cruz Azul on the weekend.  

FC Cincinnati preview

FC Cincinnati come into this match on the back of a dominant 5-0 win over Chicago Fire II, with all 5 goalscorers being different players. Cincy has been the team that’s kept up the best with Marlon LeBlanc’s side throughout the season and after Union II slipping up over the past few weeks, Cincy has finally capitalised and gone to the top of the standings. 

These two teams have faced off twice already this season, with Cincinnati 2 coming away the victors in both. The first game was a 3-1 win for the Ohio side, with Gerardo Valenzuela scoring a hattrick, the second game was played at Subaru Park in June and Cincy came away winners in that too, thanks to a Kenji Mboma Dem double. 

This blockbuster, top of the table clash takes place at Subaru Park at 3pm ET. If you can’t get down to the ground and watch the match in person, the game will be shown on Apple TV via an active MLS Season Pass subscription. 

Image Credit: Philadelphia Union II