Philadelphia Union II extended its unbeaten streak after earlier this week but it didn’t come easy. However it showed a level of resilience that fans will enjoy when the club returns home on April 10 to face off against Columbus Crew 2.
After a season-opening shutout against Inter Miami CF II, Crew 2 rebounded by zipping up Chicago Fire FC II 2-0. Three first teamers Jake Morris, Patrick Schulte and Sean Zawadzki joined Crew 2, but striker Noah Fuson got the club’s first-ever MLS NEXT Pro goal in the 72nd minute.
That late strike means Crew 2 opened the season with three scoreless halves. In contrast, Union II have scored in all four halves of their 2022 MLS NEXT Pro inaugural season.
Union center back Brandan Craig was the catalyst for the opener against Inter Miami II with a dangerous corner kick that Paxten Aaronson finished off. The young defender is one of the best set piece takers in the US Youth National Team system and his distribution out of the back makes him an incredibly valuable part of Marlon LeBlanc’s attacking plans. If teams sit back to prevent counterattacks, Craig can pick passes between the lines or switch the point of attack with ease.
Aaronson and Jack McGlynn scored against Inter Miami II, but Union goalkeeper Matt Freese may have been the most important difference-maker. Andre Blake’s number one deputy continues to improve his touch on the ball and positioning, and this puts him in better position to show off his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping.
When the match went to penalty kicks, Freese was imposing throughout and made a key save to set up Cole Turner to win the match.
This Sunday, LeBlanc will likely have a few first team players available, but his focus will likely be on cleaning up defensive transitions and defending in the box. Giving up three goals is not going to sit well with LeBlanc’s competitive group so expect them to come out with an emphasis on imposing their style on Crew 2 from the outset.
Union II look to remain unbeaten against Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, April 10 at 5:00 p.m. ET and will be livestreamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.
