In the dying moments of the match Philadelphia Union II dug deep and converted off a set piece via Frank Westfield to defeat Loudoun United FC on Sunday evening.
With cool temperatures and wind at the Kinetic Therapy Grass Fields located at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, Union II fielded a lineup featuring five members of the MLS roster with Markus Anderson, Nick Pariano, Sanders Ngabo, Olwethu Makhanya and Jamir Berdecio getting important minutes. Joining the group were prominent up-and-coming players from the Union Academy with Andrew Rick, CJ Olney, David Vazquez, Eddie Davis and Westfield too on the pitch at the opening whistle.
Union II came out strong and dominated the opening half but were unable to break through in the first 45 minutes despite earning seven corner kicks. The front line of Davis and Anderson showed strong pressing cues to force turnovers that quickly turned into counter attacking chances with Davis denied by a diving stop near the half hour mark. Meanwhile the visitors from the USL Championship nearly grabbed the lead against the run of play just before the half time whistle with Rick making a strong stop to deny a potential Olimpico.Â
The second half saw both sides battle for a winner with Loudoun making a total lineup change at the hour mark which tested Marlon LeBlanc's side and their stamina. After absorbing some pressure they turned to fresh legs of their own with Sal Olivas and Davis nearly converting on a counter attack in the 75th minute. With an offensive gameplan to utilize Westfield's offensive abilities on the flank, the attack earned a corner kick in the 89th minute to set up the game winner. Vazquez rifled a near post corner kick service to Westfield who backheeled it off a defender and into the back of the net for the winner.
Union II continues is preseason on Friday when they hit the road to face off against Hartford Athletic.
