Leandro Soria scored his first professional brace and goalkeeper Mike Sheridan set a new career high for saves as Philadelphia Union II picked up a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire II on Saturday afternoon.
Soria scored in both halves to lead the Union II offense to a comeback victory which snapped a three-game losing streak in the process. The 19-year-old timed his runs perfectly with a flicked finished off a David Vazquez cross just before the break giving the home side momentum after Chicago opened the scoring. Soria then cashed in with a second goal as he headed home a cross from homegrown Cavan Sullivan after the 14-year-old made a spectacular run up the right flank. Vazquez's added a stoppage time goal to put Union II ahead by two which turned out to be a much needed one as Chicago trimmed the lead just before the final whistle.
Goalkeeper Mike Sheridan was a major part in the Boys in Blue getting the three points in front of Union II's largest crowd of the 2024 campaign as he made career-high seven saves including three point-blank saves to see Philly collect the win.
Playing for their teammate and captain Kyle Tucker and his family after the sudden loss of his father, Union II were adamant to put on a strong display in front of its largest crowd of the season at Subaru Park. Five minutes into the contest, a pair of half chances came from the foot of Leandro Soria as the forward sought to open up the scoring. Just after the 10th minute the Boys in Blue continued to try and unlock the Chicago defense with the Argentinian’s pace as CJ Olney looped a volley into the box that sent Soria in but a poor touch saw the keeper collect it.
With Union II seeking to land an early knockout punch, Chicago was forced to rely on a counter attacking offense which came close to sending attackers 1v1 against goalkeeper Mike Sheridan but ultimately stalled by the offside flag. A patient build up led to a cross to the back post for Omari Glasgow but the one timer sailed well over the Union II frame and into the River End. The Windy City side finally timed a their run in behind in the 25th minute as a volley from the center stripe sent Glasgow once again in on goal. Dribbling twice before unleashing a left-footed blast, Union II’s Mike Sheridan was there for the stop with a reaction save to keep the game scoreless.
Buoyed by the big defensive play, the Boys in Blue went back onto the attack on their next possession. Union homegrown Cavan Sullivan gained possession at the edge of the 18 and put on a swift combination of dribbling moves to slice up the defense before lacing a shot across the grass that was saved.
The back-and-forth action continued around the half hour mark with Christian Koffi getting a pair of chances to score for the visiting side. In the 29th minute the Fire forward found himself on the receiving end of a cross to the back post however the effort went off target. Two minutes later, the 23-year-old placed his shot on frame however was left frustrated with a reaction save from the Union II goalkeeper. Chicago turned to some set piece offense to try and break into the score column in the 36th minute as Peter Soudan ripped a shot from 20-yards out but Sheridan pushed it over the bar and out of play. Soudan quickly got another opportunity to score and converted as he timed his run from the midfield to stay onsides off a threaded ball from Sergio Oregel. With Sheridan forced off his line to cut down the angle, Soudan got around the keeper to make it a 1-0 scoreline for the visitors in the 38th minute.
The deficit didn’t last for long however as the Boys in Blue answered just three minutes later. David Vazquez gain possession near the corner flag and patiently waited before sending a cross inside the six-yard box. Soria timed his run to get a touch on the ball from Vazquez as the keeper and defender collided in the box and had to watch the ball trickle across the line.
The Boys in Blue came out of the locker room on the front foot looking for carry momentum. Philly nearly had a goal in the 50th minute as David Vazquez and CJ Olney stood over a free kick opportunity from 20 yards off. Vazquez back from his stint with the US U-20’s at the Concacaf Championships took the shot with the ball crashing off a Fire player in the wall that forced a stoppage in play. Five minutes later the Union grabbed the lead with Sullivan making an amazing run on the right flank to get some space before sending a cross to the door step. Soria was once again perfectly placed as the ball sailed over the keeper and easily headed into the back of the net for his first career brace.
Like Philly did in the first half, Chicago sought a quick response with Glasgow again breaking into open space behind the Union defense. 1v1 against Sheridan, the Union keeper once again made the point blank stop just in front of the penalty spot.
Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc turned to his substitution options in the 68th minute with Randy Meneses coming on for Gavin Wetzel. The move saw the 20-year-old take over the defensive midfield slot and push Jamir Berdecio to right back. A few minutes later, homegrown Nick Pariano joined the group in place of Cavin Sullivan. Philly kept pressing forward to get an important insurance goal. Going direct with a pass toward the edge of the box, Vazquez laid off a pass to Olney for a one-time blast that sailed just inches over the net.
Eight minutes of stoppage time were added to the final half with both teams scoring during the period. David Vazquez put the Boys in Blue ahead by two in the 96th minute off an assist from Academy substitute Diego Rocio.
Union II is back in action next weekend as they head north of the border for a battle with Toronto FC II. Kick off is set for 3PM on Saturday, August 18th with the match broadcast free on MLSNEXTPro.com.
