Playing on just two days rest, Philadelphia Union Academy’s U17 team used a strong second half to rally against FC Delco in MLS NEXT action by a 3-1 scoreline.
With Subaru Park serving as the background of the match, the U17s bagged back-to-back goals just four minutes apart to erase a first-half deficit thanks to goals from Darboe Bajung and Marcello Mazzola in the 64th and 68th minutes. Bajung’s equalizer came off impressive team play that saw the squad find space on the flank and pick out a runner into the box. With their back to goal, the U17 squad laid if off for Bajung at the top of the 18-yard-box who riffled a curling right-footed blast inside the post. Four minutes later, the space out wide again produced a goal as Mazzola deflected a pass headed for the far post and into the opposite corner to give the Union the lead for good.
The Boys in Blue added an important insurance goal in the 81st minute as Nelson Pierre collected a deflected clearance in the box. Pierre quickly spun past his defender and was taken down in the box but fought back up and poke a shot past FC Delco’s keeper for the 3-1 margin.
The U17s return to MLS NEXT action this weekend with a trip north to face off against New York City FC on Saturday, April 24th.
