Facing a veteran squad in Hartford Athletic, Philadelphia Union II came out of the gates strong but were unable to hold claim its first victory of the season with a 3-2 defeat on the road Saturday night.
Playing away from Subaru Park for the first time in 2020, Union II found themselves with an early lead when 23-year-old Yomi Scintu took advantage of a defensive mistake and found the back of the in the fourth minute. The squad doubled that lead in the 16th minute when Union Academy members Danny Flores crossed a nice ball into the middle and Axel Pizaro slotted it home.
The veteran side fought back into the match and knotted the contest up just before halftime with a pair of goals courtesy of Gabriel Torres and Mads Jorgensen. Shortly after the break in the 53rd minute Ever Guzman scored the go ahead goal. Philly did not quit and showed some life the rest of the match creating multiple chances that kept Hartford fighting back, but unfortunately came up just short.
Saturday night’s match was also a family affair as Union II midfielder Jack McGlynn squared off against his brother Conor McGlynn of Hartford. The two siblings produced quite the moment in the second half with a brother-on-brother yellow card in the 66th minute when Conor was booked after fouling Jack. Conor got the last laugh this time around as Hartford took this one 3-2.
After a busy three-game in eight day span to begin Group F play, Union II has a week to prepare for its next clash when it travels for a rematch against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kick off from Highmark Stadium is set for Saturday, August 1st at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
