Three second half goals propelled youthful Philadelphia Union II over Loudoun United FC on Sunday afternoon at the Power Training Complex.
The USL Championship visitors jumped out to an early lead as Sam Sergi netted the opening goal in the fourth minute of play. The Boys in Blue fought back and after seeing a pair of penalty kicks denied, Union homegrown Brandan Craig knotted up the contest with a curling free kick that went around the Loudoun United wall and into the back of the net in the 13th mintute.
Loudoun United again retook the lead in the 19th minute as Kairou added a goal to his stats after setting up Loudoun’s opening goal that pushed the visitors to a 2-1 half time lead.
Union II Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc turned up the high press in the second half with a trialist coming on in the second half to as an additional attacking piece. The move paid dividends with an equalizer in the 58th minute that came off a scramble in the box.
Union II completed the comeback in the 70th minute with Academy midfielder Anthony Ramirez capping off a counter attack that was set up by an unnamed trialist. With time winding down, Union homegrown Cole Turner netted this golazo from distance to give Union 2 a 4-2 victory.
Union 2 continues it’s preseason friendlies next weekend with a road trip to Keystone State rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, May 1st.
SCORING SUMMARY
LDN – Sam Sergi (Kairou) 4’
PHI – Brandan Craig 13’
LDN –Kairou 19’
PHI – Trialist 58’
PHI – Anthony Ramirez (Trialist) 70’
PHI – Cole Turner 88’
Philadelphia Union 2 Lineup: Trialist (Ben Martino second half; Jackson Gilman (Trialist second half), Brandan Craig, Dante Huckaby, Nathan Harriel; Cole Turner, Jack Jasinski, Anthony Ramirez, Ian Abbey (Jake Spadafora second half); Caden Stafford, Shaynder Borgelin.
