Union II will be back in Chester for another edition of Friday night lights, returning to Subaru Park one week after taking on Wrexham A.F.C in front of a packed home crowd.
Tune in on Friday at 7 p.m. with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch the action!
Philadelphia's recent match against the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds-owned Welsh side finished in a 1-1 draw after a two-and-a-half hour rain delay, and though the game didn’t finish in either team’s favor, Union II preserved their unbeaten streak, extending it to six games.
After a brief hiatus for the international friendly, the team’s MLS NEXT Pro play will resume against New York City FC II, who currently sits in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference standings at ninth. Head Coach Matt Pilkington’s group dropped their last two games falling to both Huntsville City FC and Crown Legacy by one goal.
The last time Union II and NYCFC II met was at the start of July at Belson Stadium in New York, where Union II emerged victorious thanks to a brace from Jeremy Rafanello and an 84th minute goal off the bench from Luciano Sanchez.
Rafanello, the team’s 23-year-old midfielder from Delran, New Jersey has scored seven goals this season, most recently netting an equalizer against Wrexham. His total is tied for the team high with 22-year-old forward Stefan Stojanovic.
Union II has had quite the summer so far, highlighted by a momentous July in which they've won or tied every game through the entire month. On Wednesday, MLS NEXT Pro released their latest power rankings, placing Philadelphia Union in the Top 10 for Matchday 19.
Marlon LeBlanc’s squad has worked hard to erase the deficit caused by early season losses, and their determination has paid off. The team's recent successes have propelled them up the East to sixth place, just three points behind Orlando City B.
For tickets to Friday’s match, click here. If you can’t make it to Subaru Park, tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
