Philadelphia Union II completed the group stage sweep with a defining 2-0 win over pre-tournament favorite Phoenix Rising FC in the group 3 finale of the USL eCup Rocket League Tournament.
Union II esports captain Evan Slabicki needed only nine seconds to notch the first goal of the opening match but Phoenix Rising defender Joey Farrell fought back with a goal of his own 12 seconds later. Union II kept its composure after allowing its earliest goal of the tournament to retake the lead for good half a minute into the match.
"It was for 1st place in the group so there were some nerves going in," Slabicki told PhiladelphiaUnion.com following the contest. "Took me a bit to settle in but once i figure out his strategy I was able to get going."
In a back and forth clash, Slabicki stifled Phoenix rising in the midfield and made the most of his scoring chances to notch a 10-2 victory in game 1.
One more victory away from a perfect 6-0 group stage, Union II struck first 17 seconds into the match with a strong strike. After a clutch save moments later, momentum swung in favor of the Boys in Blue with yet another clean sheet in route to a 8-0 scoreline.
"Moving forward I’m still an underdog which I can use to my advantage," Slabicki said. "Group play gave me so confidence but it’s important to take it one match at a time in the knockout rounds. As the competition increases its important to win balls in the air so I’ll be working on my air game this weekend."
Slabicki and Union II will now await their opponent for the knockout stage of the USL eCup Rocket League which is slated to begin Tuesday, April 14th.
