Philadelphia Union Academy U-18s traveled to the West coast for MLS NEXT Fest, facing off against FC Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake and LAFC. Check out how the oldest group fared in California.
Philadelphia Union (5) vs. LAFC (0)
The U-18s finished their MLS NEXT Fest campaign strong with a dominant 5-0 win against LAFC on Monday afternoon in California. Zach Mastrodimos set the tone for the match, scoring an impressive first-ever Union goal from distance for an early lead. Diego Rocio doubled the advantage with a free kick goal, and from there, Anisse Saidi shined with a hattrick performance starting with a goal that made it 3-0 before halftime. After the break, Saidi scored a half-volley to the back of the net, then a tap-in assisted by Gunnar Graham, who sent a low cross from the left side to his teammate for the finish. With their five-goal shutout victory, the U-18s completed the trip with 2 wins and a draw.
Philadelphia Union (3) vs. Real Salt Lake (1)
The Union Academy's U-18 squad made the most of their second match of MLS NEXT Fest, putting up a trio of goals as they knocked off Real Salt Lake by a 3-1 margin.
Diego Rocio opened up the scoring just before the half time whistle as he timed his run perfectly against the back line and chipped it over the keeper. The Baby Snakes doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half via a goal from Aniesse Saidi to and put the finishing touches on the win through a 64th minute finish from Kellan LeBlanc.
Philadelphia Union (0) vs. FC Cincinnati (0)
Philadelphia Union Academy began its final matches of 2024 in the warm, sunny weather of California as they faced off against FC Cincinnati in their opening match at MLS NEXT Fest. The Baby Snakes were on the front foot for much of the contest but neither defense would concede as they split the points in the opener.
Date | Matchup | Result/ Kickoff Time (ET) |
December 6 | U-18 vs. FC Cincinnati | D, 0-0 |
December 7 | U-18 vs. Real Salt Lake | W, 3-1 |
December 9 | U-18 vs. LAFC | W, 5-0 |
