Philadelphia Union II looks to continues its push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference when they welcome Atlanta United 2 to Subaru Park for the final regular season contest of the MLS NEXT Pro season. Don't miss the action on Sunday with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV starting at 3PM ET.
The youngest roster in MLS NEXT Pro is full of momentum after a comeback victory over New York City FC II on Monday evening. Markus Anderson opened the scoring early for Union II with an 11th minute finish set up by CJ Olney but the opposition responded with a trio of first half goals to grab a 3-1 lead just past the half hour mark. The youngest side in MLS NEXT Pro kept battling with Nick Pariano cutting the deficit in half right before the break with a finish from the penalty spot. The Boys in Blue kept the momentum with a dominant display in the second half as Eddy Davis III scored his 13th goal of the regular season to knot the contest up at 3-3. A free kick service from 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan to team captain Frankie Westfield proved the difference with the duo combining on a historic goal in the 64th minute.
With the home win, Union II not only secured its third-consecutive trip to the postseason but knows it will host a playoff match for the first time in team history as a top four seed. Marlon LeBlanc's side has larger aspirations as they sit two points out of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a favorable schedule compared to the Ohio side. Philly will host recently eliminated Atlanta United 2 on Sunday before a Decision Day battle at eighth ranked Chicago Fire FC II while Cincinnati II has to go to fifth ranked NYCFC II before hosting third-ranked Orlando City B.
Sunday's contest marks the second time this season that the Union and Atlanta have faced off with the Boys in Blue putting up a resounding 5-0 victory in the Peach State in April. Chris Donovan opened the scoring in the 18th minute but the second half saw the Union II offense come alive with Donovan getting a brace while Eddy Davis III, CJ Olney and Kyle Tucker got onto the scoreboard. It was more staunch defending from Philly as they held the homeside to just two shots on target and not registered scoring chances.
Atlanta United 2 was officially eliminated from postseason contention last week when they battled Crown Legacy FC to a scoreless draw before faling in the penalty shootout on September 19th. Like Union II, Atlanta played earlier in the week with a Tuesday night loss to Inter Miami CF II. Atlanta controlled the match in the first half but it was the visitors who were the first to break through in the 32nd minute. Union Academy graduate Nykolas Sessock played a ball through to Ryan Carmichael, who met the ball on the left side of the penalty box and chipped it over Jayden Hibbert for the decisive goal.
