After a rough second half allowed Real Salt Lake to take the opening match of 2019 GA Cup Regional Qualifying, Philadelphia Union’s U17 squad rebounded with a comeback win over New York Red Bulls and a 4-0 thrashing of New England Revolution.
Ryan Richter’s side got a 40th minute goal from Nelson Pierre but fell behind 2-1 to Red Bulls on Saturday. Late in the match, Anton Sorensen helped even the scoreline with a weaving run down the left channel that opened space for a scintillating low cross to Jack Jasinski.
Only three minutes later, the ball was lofted from left to right down the pitch, and Jasinski gave chase, arriving before the goalkeeper and slotting home the winner.
Caden Stafford stepped forward to ensure the 17s final match of this stage of Regional Qualifying was never in question. The striker picked up a hat trick that started in the 16th minute and included two goals in two minutes in the second half. Quinn Sullivan blasted home a 36th minute goal as well.
The U15s never hit top gear in the tournament, but played powerful, direct soccer across three matches with different results. After a draw with RSL to open the tournament, Chris Brewer’s side arguably outplayed Red Bull but fell 2-1 before a wild back-and-forth affair with New England Revolution finished 4-3 in favor of the hosts. Marcelo Mazzolla continued his scorching hot season with the lone goal against Red Bulls and another on Monday against New England. Dominic Dubon, Gael Medrano, and Dylan Lacey were the other goalscorers against the Revs on Monday.
The second half of the GA Cup Regional Qualifiers begins on Valentine’s Day, 2020 in Salt Lake City, with Philly right in the mix for the top spot. They currently sit fourth out of six, but with two of the top three already in the rearview mirror, the Union’s young but intelligent team could easily end up at the top of Group C.
Now it’s back to the regular season and DA Cup as the Union prepare for Lehigh Valley United and Red Bulls (again!) on Sunday.
