Philadelphia Union II continued play in MLS NEXT Pro with a 3-1 victory against Orlando City B on Sunday night at Osceola Heritage Park. With the win, Union II are now in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 20 points.
Orlando City B controlled possession in the first half, but Union II outshot Orlando eight to five. In the 28th minute, Orlando City B midfielder Victor Yan had the best chance of the half with a shot that deflected off of the post. Union II goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded two saves to hold Orlando City B scoreless and keep the score even through the opening 45 minutes of play.
In the 52nd minute, Union II defender Matt Real scored his second goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season on a header to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. The goal was assisted by Brandan Craig and Chris Donovan. Union II went down a man when goalkeeper Matt Freese received a red card in the 69th minute.
Orlando went down to 10 men in the 77th minute when goalkeeper Javier Otero received a red card during the hydration break. Orlando’s Ethan Subachan scored in the 85th minute to make it 1-1.Union II responded with a goal by Jesus Bueno in the 87th minute. Sullivan's shot was deflected in by Bueno to put the Union in the lead.
Forward Nelson Pierre made it 3-1 in stoppage time to ensure Union II take away all three points on the road. Orlando went down to nine men late in stoppage time with midfielder Diego Pareja being sent off.
Union II will return home to face Columbus Crew 2 at Subaru Park on Sunday, July 31st (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.
