The Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union II kicks off their July schedule with a second showdown against New England Revolution II on Saturday night. Fans can catch the match for free starting at 7PM on MLSNEXTPro.com!
Union II is coming off a bounce back victory north of the border on Sunday afternoon via a 4-0 thumping of Toronto FC II. The Boys in Blue did their scoring early with all four goals coming in the opening 31 minutes to wrap up the result in the opening half. Union Academy graduate Eddy Davis III turned in a MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek performance in Toronto, scoring a brace to put the 18-year-old forward in second place for the league's Golden Boot race. In net, Union II goalkeeper Mike Sheridan got his second start between the posts for the club and made three saves to earn the first professional shutout of his career.
Union II and Revolution II faced off earlier this season with the Boys in Blue racking up a 3-1 victory at the same venue as Saturday night's affair. Chris Donovan scored twice in the second half to power Philadelphia Union II to the win back in on May 19th. After the home side found an equalizer on its first shot on target, the youthful Union II fought back with CJ Olney connecting with Donovan to reclaim the 2-1 lead. The Boys in Blue put the match away in the 81st minute with a set piece connection between Captain Kyle Tucker and Olwethu Makhanya for his first MLS NEXT Pro goal. Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc's side does face a difficult task this time around however with the Union's first team playing on Saturday night in Chester which could see key contributors not make the trip to the New England region on Saturday.
New England has won just four of their 15 contests in regulation with their last victory coming on June 14th. During their only three points of the month, Revolution II knocked off New York Red Bulls II by a 1-0 margin with a 40th minute goal from Maciel. The squad under the leadership of Head Coach Richie Williams is coming off a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati 2. Forwards Marcos Dias and Alex Monis will be the focus on the Union II defense on Saturday night with the duo each with five goals scored.
