Recaps | Union Academy undefeated across two days of games this weekend

It was another weekend sweep for Philadelphia Union’s academy, and the U12s started it off with a convincing 6-1 rout over the rival New York Red Bulls. Paul Nash’s team may have dominated the scoreline, but the head coach can be even prouder that they swarmed out of a smart, aggressive press from the front. Evan Roberts and Christian Braccili led the way with two goals each, and the defense moved the ball well in buildups, preventing the opponent from setting pressing traps.

On Sunday, Nash’s young charges took on the South Delaware U13 side and kept a 4-0 shutout, with Roberts, Baccili, Sully Palazzari, and Jeremy Wesseh on the board. The ball moved quickly for the young squad as they controlled the match tempo.

Colin Fulham’s brace led the way for the U13s as they blazed through a 6-1 win over PA Classics. Willy Topp’s side was compact and aggressive out of their base shape, creating the kinds of high turnovers that help trigger big chances.

Even after a 2-0 scoreline, U14s head coach Phil Karn sees room for improvement from his talented, young side. Max Karl provided a very strong base in midfield and Mateo Gallegos kept things cool at the back so Jason Hunt and Charlie Rihn could provide enough firepower to secure the victory.

Anisse Saidi continued his hot start to the year with another goal, and Gabriel Wesseh, Peyton Presson, and Connor Murphy rounded out the scoring in a 4-0 shutout win for the U15s. The squad is further along in their early season development thanks to a strong European trip, and they had to be creative and persistent to break down PA Classics’ low block.

The U17s thrashed their PA Classics opponents 7-1. After a tight first half, a brace from Alex Perez, as well as goals from Eddie Davis, Diego Rocio, Michael Tzimoulis, Daniel Krueger, and Luca Mazzola led the 17s to a comfortable win. The substitutes that came on throughout the game did well to leave their mark on the game as they push for more minutes. 

The Union Development Squad kept it tight and organized in the back as they locked down Pennsylvania Prime FC 4-0. CJ Olney was a monster controlling the tempo of the game and allowing Luciano Sanchez to secure a brace up front. Against an organized defense, patience and a strong mentality were key to bringing back all three points.

The academy picks up again next weekend, primarily against TSF Academy.