Philadelphia Union II continued play in MLS NEXT Pro with a 2-1 victory against New York City FC II on Saturday afternoon at Subaru Park. Chris Donovan recorded his third goal of the season and Brandan Craig added another score off a free-kic to give Union II their second victory in MLSNEXTPro play.
In the first half, competition between both teams was even and play was erratic, with many changes in possession throughout the first 45 minutes. Union II pressed NYCFC II on defense, giving them opportunities in transition. The best chance of the first half came when Chris Donovan took a shot from a tough angle after a misjudgment by NYCFC II Goalkeeper Alex Rando. After the opening 45 minutes, the score remained tied at 0-0.
Union II began second half play by forcing a corner kick in the 50th minute, resulting in a successful strike by Chris Donovan to the center of the goal to bring the score to 1-0. Then, in the 66th minute, it appeared that NYCFC II had found an equalizing score, but El Mahdi Youssoufi was called offside on the play.
Brandan Craig scored on a free kick in the 75th minute, striking an incredible shot to the bottom right corner of the goal from outside the box to double the Union II lead. In the closing moments of stoppage time, NYCFC II scored on a Stephen Turnbull goal from the center of the box to bring the score to 2-1.
Chris Donovan scored his third goal in the last two games and Brandan Craig recorded his first career MLSNEXTPro goal. With the victory, Union II are now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with nine points.
Union II are back on the road where they will play Inter Miami CF II on Saturday, May 7th (7:00 p.m. ET / MLSNEXTPro.com). Union Season Ticket Members can attend up to three Union II matches for free this year and all other fans can find tickets here.
