Philadelphia Union II saw its 2024 season conclude in heartbreaking fashion, falling to North Texas SC by a 3-2 margin in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
Union II came out of the gates strong with forwards Markus Anderson and Eddy Davis III each finding the back of the net inside the opening 20 minutes. The lead wasn’t safe however as the MLS NEXT Pro regular season points leader rallied back in the second half with two goals in 16 minutes to level the contest. The trek for Union II was made more difficult over the final 15 minutes of play as they played with just ten men after defender Olwethu Makhanya was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity. The numbers advantage eventually paid off for the Lone Star State side as they completed the comeback with a goal in the first minute of stoppage time.
For the third straight match Union II remained unchanged with not only the exact same Starting XI but the same matchday 20. Facing off against the Western Conference Champions who had yet to suffer a home defeat, the youngest side in the league didn’t show it at all with the first scoring opportunity of the night coming from Philly. Markus Anderson was perfectly positioned on a counter press to intercept a back pass from the North Texas SC defense. Anderson quickly raced to the top of the box and forced the defense to commit before flicking a pass out wide to CJ Olney. The homegrown midfielder ripped a shot but saw it blocked out for the opening corner.
In the ninth minute The Boys in Blue converted on their next opportunity with a brilliant finish from Anderson. The 20-year-old forward capped off a wonder display from Union II which began with captain Frankie Westfield on the left side sending a leading pass to the flank for Cavan Sullivan. The 15-year-old picked his head up and whipped in a cross to the back post for David Vazquez who instead of opting for a half chance, headed the centrally to Anderson for the one timer. North Texas was aligned for the shot and blocked it firmly with the rebound getting collected by right back Gavin Wetzel. The Academy amateur spotted the space inside the box, quickly got it back to Anderson for the second attempt and it was perfect as it beat the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year.
It took nine minutes for the opening goal and the same amount for Union II to double its advantage this time from fellow forward Eddy Davis III. Union II’s single-season scoring record holder showed an unrelenting spirit to not give up on a play as Olney shot a forward pass that was blocked off a North Texas defender. Davis was in the right spot and quickly took back possession and raced into the box. With a pair of defenders chasing from behind, the Union Academy graduate slowed to have them overrun him and blasted a shot with his left that had the keeper frozen.
North Texas SC found itself in a unique position having conceded a pair of goals just four times previously. With their home fans pushing them on to grab momentum before the break, a set piece from the training ground nearly netted them the goal they needed. Going short on a free kick, captain Nico Gordon found unmarked inside the six for a header on the second movement, but homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick was ready for the chance and made the save in the 39th minute.
During the break, Union II made its first change of the evening with Sal Olivas replacing the game’s opening scorer Markus Anderson. As the clock ticked up a late challenge from Pierre presented the home side a free kick from well outside the box from dead center for a strike on goal. Forward Logan Farrington took the chance to try and turn the match in their favor and converted with the ball sneaking around the wall and over an outstretched Rick to make it 2-1 in the 51st minute.
The atmosphere was on a knife’s edge over the final half hour of the contest with the league’s biggest piece of hardware on the line. Every pass, tackle and action had more meaning and presented a once-in-a-lifetime moment to make history.
Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc changed formations just after the hour mark as Jamir Berdecion entered in Cavan Sullivan’s place. The outside back was inserted into the midfield along side Nick Pariano and as the duo began to find their footing in the game North Texas struck once again. Wing back Herbert Endeley found space on the right side and just before reaching the end line hit a perfectly weighted ball to Enes Sali for the far post tap in.
With the match back where it started with just over 20 minutes left in regulation, Philly once again made a change with Giovanny Sequera coming on for Davis. MLS NEXT Pro Playoff darling CJ Olney moved positions once again as a result, pairing up with Olivas. The game continued to push in the homeside’s favor as Olwethu Makhanya was sent off as he tackled Farrington. The referee quickly reached to his back pocket and showed the red card for denial of the goalscoring opportunity.
Down to 10, Andrew Rick had to settle a new look defense and kept the match level at two as he used every inch of his frame to deny a free kick blast from Farrington in the 76th minute. A few minutes later Union II made its final substitutions of the night as Carlos Rojas and Jose Riasco entered for Vazquez and Olney.
The match would see one more goal with it going in the favor of the home side as they capped off the comeback with a first minute stoppage time winner from Pedrinho.
