This weekend saw the second double-header of matches as the Baby Snakes continued its push through MLS Next play on the road.
Saturdays Rainy Road to Victory
The U13s kicked off a rainy day of matches as they took down TSF 2-0. Goals scored by Iain Heyward and Jan Michalowski secured the Baby Snakes all three points. Jackson Fulmer, Joey Schottlander, Tyler Anderson, and Ethan Wirtz all had strong performances as the team dominated the opposition. Head Coach Willy Topp praised his team for adapting well to a new style of play that saw them dominate in attack. The team also performed well in defense as they managed to keep the ball out of the back and in the opponent's half.
The U14s took to the field against TSF in more suitable conditions as they battled back from 2-0 down to win 4-5 on the road. A hattrick from Timoni Gbalajobi along with goals from Hayes Cooney and Javi Linares highlight the determination of the team to walk away with all three points. Sean Corbet also had a strong game as the team kept TSF on edge. Head Coach Phil Karn praised his team's spirit to fight back against tough opposition while urging them to take more chances up top.
The U16s took the pitch in the final game of the day, walking away with a 2-0 win over TSF. Union took control of the game quickly in the first half, with Gunnar Graham scoring in the 24th minute and Willyam Ferreira scoring in the 28th. The team looked sharp as they kept the opponent quiet, with Matheus De Paula and Nicholas Greer having strong performances. Head Coach Guillermo Hamdan Zaragoza hails the teams spirit to keep control of the game in soggy conditions and looks to build on the chances created to put the game to bed sooner.
Sundays Away Day Goal Fest
The U13s were back in action the next day against Real Jersey where they drew 3-3. Goals from Michael Trent, Even Roberts, and Mateo Rosko kept the Baby Snakes in the game. Jackson Fulmer, Tyler Anderson, Joey Schottlander, and Zak Oladunmoye also had strong games to push the team forward. Head Coach Willy Topp emphasized the importance of pushing the team forward to get more goals while keeping the opponent quiet.
The U14s rained goals on Real Jersey as they walked away with a 5-1 victory. Back-to-back hattricks for Timoni Gbalajobi, along with a brace from Samuel Gallego, helped the team outclass Real Jersey. Isaac Sparling also had a strong game as the offense and defense dominated the opposition to limit them to one goal. Head coach Phil Karn applauded his team's efforts in attack as it continues to link well to finish off games.
The U16s were also back in action sunday, as they came out with another tidy 2-0 win over Real Jersey. What started off as a calm and quiet first half exploding into a Union lead, as Jordan Griffin scored the opener in the 55th minute with Willyam Ferreira adding another late on in the 87th. Gabriel Wesseh also had a strong game as the team managed to keep Jersey in their own half for most of the game. The team found its fight throughout the game, which Head Coach Guillermo Hamdan Zaragoza prasied, as they quickly get themselves in front following the half.
Laslty, the U17s round out this double header weekend as they took a 2-0 win back home with them to Chester. Kellan LeBlanc scored both goals of the match, with the first coming early in the 10th minute accompanied by a second in the 70th. The Baby Snakes did well to keep control of the game, with much of the team being involved throughout.
Up Next
As the Baby Snakes continue the 2023-24 campaign, Philadelphia Union will be split this weekend. Saturday sees the U17s and 15s head to Currey Ingram Academy to take on Nashville SC. While the U14s and 13s continue their season back home at WSFS Bank Sportsplex against West Virginia SC. Be sure to stay tuned to PhiladelphiaUnion.com and the Academy's social media channels for streaming information closer to Matchday 6.
