Philadelphia Union Academy scored early and often as they put up a perfect weekend to start their 2024-25 MLS NEXT campaigns.
The Baby Snakes combined for 48 goals in six matches from the U12 up to Union 3 to start the season on fire. Check out how the matches went below.
Union Academy U-18s (3), Achillies FC (0)
The two-time defending Generation adidas Cup winners started off their season with a resounding 3-0 shutout on Saturday morning at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex. It was a tight affair early on in the contest but the Union were able to break onto the scoreboard in the 36th minute on a goal from Jack Illig. Just before the break the Union doubled their lead as Anisse Saidi scored the first of his two goals in the 44th minute. Six minutes into the second half is where the forwarded bagged his brace as Gavin Atkinson and his back line secured a shutout in the opening match of their campaign.
"A good foundation to build upon," Head Coach Peter McDonnell said following the match. "The structure with the ball improved during the game and we were able to get our full backs advanced to threaten. There is still work to do against the ball and in transition but a good first run out in the league."
Union Academy U-16s (13), Achillies FC (0)
The first match the Pedro Cavalcanti era was a breakout performance as the U-16s racked up a weekend high 13 goals from eight different goalscorers. Chuka Ebo led the way with a hat trick while Willyam Ferreira, Malik Jakupovic and Tyler Gladsone collected two goals each. The scoring was rounded out by Jayden Kouadio, Samuel Gallegos, Timoni Gbalajobi and Charlie Rian. Goalkeepers Marcelo Avalos and Charlie Lorenz split duties in the the opening match shutout.
"Solid start of the season for the U-16s," Cavalcanti said after the contest. "Many goals scored and we maintained a clean sheet which is important. Extremely proud of how the team showed growth and maturity to maintain focus and intensity throughout the game."
Union Academy U-14s (13), Achillies FC (1)
The U-16s were the only size to put up a baker's dozen on the scorboard as Phil Karn's U-14s kicked off their MLS NEXT campaign with an emphatic 13-1 victory over the Virginia side. Mateo Rosko scored the most goals of any Union Academy player with five goals on the board with teammate Jordan Vasquez notching a brace. Kaden Carnes, Mohammed Yosaf, Joey Schottlander, Gael Gonzalez, Ian Heyward and Evan Roberts all collected their first goals of the regular season too in the victory at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
"I was very pleased with the group's defensive starting position which led to pressing and winning the ball in the attacking half of the field," Karn said on the contest. "Overall a very good team performance that we'll look to replicate next time out."
Union Academy U-13s (10), Achillies FC (1)
The final MLS NEXT match of the weekend against Achillies FC saw the U-13s playing in their MLS NEXT match as a group start off with a resounding victory. Mikey Blaszczyk scored a hat trick for the Boys in Blue as they scored early and often.
"Overall the team performed well," Head Coach Willy Topp said on the contest. "Pressure in attacking third was success and it led to eight goals out of organize pressure. We won almost every duel, forwards were connected with attacking mid and our outside backs were attacking constantly. We still need to improve on possession but overall a successful start to our season."
Union 3 (1), New Jersey Alliance (1)
Playing their UPSL season opener at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex on Sunday, Philadelphia Union 3 battled New Jersey Alliance to a 1-1 draw at home. The lone Union 3 goal of the contest came midway through the first half as Daniel Dixon connected with Luca Mazzola for the 25th minute goal.
