Philadelphia Union II returns home on September 8th for a Friday night lights matchup against Toronto FC II at Subaru Park. Both teams are currently below the playoff line in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings, but a win could push Union II closer to contention. Tune in for free on MLS NEXT Pro’s official site to watch the action unfold!
Toronto FC II dropped their last two matchups in penalty kicks, falling to 11th place. The pair’s most recent matchup was mid-July and also ended in a shootout. Goals from Jeremy Rafanello and Toronto II's Antony Curic left the game knotted at the end of fulltime, but the Canadian side emerged victorious, claiming four penalties to Philadelphia’s two.
Both teams have won just three games since their last meeting. Only two Eastern Conference teams have been officially eliminated from earning a playoff spot, but Toronto is next in line with 28 points through the entire season. Union II is in ninth place, tied with NYCFC II with 33 points. They sit behind Huntsville FC II and Chicago Fire II in 6th and 7th, each with 37 points.
With the first team on an international break and no games until September 16th, Rafanello, who earned his first Major League Soccer minutes this week against New York Red Bulls, will suit up with Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc’s squad along with forward Chris Donovan and midfielder Quinn Sullivan. Their presence fortifies the young roster for the team’s final push for a playoff spot.
For tickets to Friday’s match, click here!
