Philadelphia Union Academy kept its winning ways going with another set of big performances across all five teams as they swept Springfield SYC on Saturday at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
Saturday's action kicked off with a morning tripleheader where the U17s, U14s and U13s were all playing alongside one another on the Widener University Turf Fields at the new Sportsplex in Chester, PA. Head Coach Peter McDonnell's side picked up its seventh-consecutive win in MLS NEXT play via a 6-0 rout. So far in 2023 the oldest Academy side has allowed just one goal.
The U14s played out a highly competitive match as they walked away with a 2-1 win. Goalscorers Collin Fulham and Javi Linares helped the team push past Springfield in a highly contested matchup. Isaac Sparling, Chris Thompson, Sean Corbet, and Miles Smith all had strong games as Head Coach Phil Karn applauded his team's efforts against the strongest side they have faced all year. The Baby Snakes slowly took control of the match and hailed the squad's patience as they fought until the end for the victory.
Lastly, the U13s were back in action as they secured a 2-0 win over Springfield. With both goals being scored in the first half, Ethan Wirtz and Daniel Auguste had strong games to help lead the team to victory. Head Coach Willy Topp praised his team’s defensive efforts as they kept the opposition quiet throughout the game. The team showed immense effort as they were dominant in the final third while winning every ball off Springfield.
With fans making their way to Subaru Park for the Union's playoff match, they got to see the U16s and U15s put on an offensive clinic with a combined 12-0 result. The U16s were returned to action after a week off with a dominant 7-0 thrashing of Springfield. A brace each from Tyler Gladstone and Luis Olivera helped get the Baby Snakes ahead, with other goals coming from Connor Murphy, Gabriel Wessah, and Jordan Griffin. The team kept their confidence high as they limited the opposition to very few chances. The defense showed its class as the team took all three points away from the visitors.
The U15s were back in Chester as they took down Springfield with a 5-0 victory. Goals from Timoni Gbalajobi, Declan Lannon, Keegan Quenneville, Malik Jakupovic, and Willyam Ferreira helped seal the win. Kevin Sullivan also had a strong game the team kept its intensity to keep the game in their control. Head Coach Henry Apaloo praised his side for keeping momentum high which led to the team scoring four in the second half.
As the Baby Snakes continue the 2023-24 campaign, Philadelphia Union prepares for another packed weekend in Chester. Each team will be back home on November 4th as we take on Sporting Athletic. The U17s and 15s will have a double header weekend taking on New England Revolution on Sunday, November 5th. Be sure to stay tuned to PhiladelphiaUnion.com and the Academy's social media channels for streaming information closer to the weekend.
