Philadelphia Union II fought back on the road and overcame a first-half deficit to draw Hartford Athletic 1-1 thanks to strong team defense and composed finishing from its youngest players. Jack McGlynn and Anthony Sorenson teamed up on the tying goal as the future Union homegrown netted his second goal of the season.
After defensive mistakes led to goals on Sunday for Hartford Athletic on Sunday, Union II tightened in front of goal and limited the playoff bound side to only three shots on goal. Playing for the second time in four days, both sides were well aware of each other’s tendencies and it showed on the pitch as only two shots made their way on frame in the opening half. Union II nearly opened the scoring on a long-range blast in the 41st minute from David Rabadan but for the second straight week his shot crashed off the crossbar. Hartford took advantage of their own shot on frame in the half as Danny Barrera set a corner kick into the box that connected with defender Sam Strong.
Trailing by a goal, Union II came out hungry in the final half at Dillon Stadium and the teams young chemistry and speed created opportunities on the flank with Union Academy outside back Anthony Sorenson. The speedy 17-year-old found space in the 58th minute and fired a left-footed shot that tested the keeper at the near post. Interim Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc injected fresh legs into the contest including the return of Issa Rayyan and the speed paid over moments later.
Union II’s defense won back possession at the midfield stripe and found Rayyan who quicky flipped the attack to the flank where Paxten Aaronson and Sorenson had drifted wide. Aaronson faked out his mark to make the defense collapse the slotted a pass to his left for Sorenson. The left back riffled a threaded ball into the middle of the 18-yard-box where to an open McGlynn for the one-time blast to tie up the contest in the 76th minute of play.
Union II continues its road trip with its final showdown against rival New York Red Bulls II on Saturday afternoon. Kick off from the MSU Soccer Park is set for 5 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPN+.
