After crushing their opponents in Week One, Philadelphia Union II and Inter Miami II face off at DRV PINK Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Union II pressed and out-worked FC Cincinnati 2 last weekend after taking an early lead through Carlos Paternina. Union midfielder Jesus Bueno closed out the scoring with a stellar overlapping run to get on the end of a visionary Cole Turner pass.
For Union II, however, the win showed how organized they had become after a demanding preseason and a week of training with and against the Union first team.
Young striker Nelson Pierre looked lively but struggled to find his moments to attack directly, but Union players Turner, Bueno, and Matt Freese showed a reading of the match that head coach Marlon LeBlanc surely expects Pierre and others to learn.
Emerson Rodriguez notched a brace for Miami 2 in their opener against Columbus while playing on the right side of a 4-4-2 shape. George Acosta started up top for Miami II, and Union II will need to keep close eyes on him and Robbie Robinson if the latter remains with the MLS NEXT Pro side this weekend.
Robinson was denied his first of the season when Columbus Crew 2 goalkeeper Brady Scott flew across to save a vicious free kick.
Miami II’s counterattacks produced most of their offense, but Union II should be ready after spending a significant portion of March training with Philly’s first team, which counters as effectively as any side in MLS.
Union II brought five Union players to their match against Cincy, but if they don’t have that many first teamers available this weekend, LeBlanc can turn to solid depth in midfield and up top. The big question will be how Philly populates its defense. Anton Sorenson may remain with Union II but Matt Freese and Matt Real may be needed on the bench when the Union take on Charlotte FC on Saturday.
This top five showdown will take place on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be livestreamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.
