Union II defeated Orlando City B in a dominant 3-0 win in Florida on Wednesday night. They left the Sunshine State with three points in tow, although there was nothing sunny about the weather during the match.
Just before halftime, in the 40th minute, a weather delay was issued due to thunderstorms, pausing the contest. The delay lasted over an hour, but despite the long wait to get back on the pitch, Union II persevered, maintaining and extending its lead through the second half.
Philadelphia’s success started early – in the 11th minute, defender Juan Castillo booted a through pass to forward Chris Donovan who beat a relentless defender to the ball, powering it past Orlando goalkeeper Javier Otero for his first score of the game.
Soon enough, Donovan scored another. In the 21st minute, a big kick from Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick put the ball on Union II’s attacking side of the field, where Donovan continued to chase it down despite Orlando efforts to tap it away. Taking the ball from an opposing defender, Donovan drove to the center of the box where he shot and netted another, putting Union II ahead 2-0. The impressive goal marked his second brace of the MLS NEXT Pro season. Donovan has played in five games for Union II this season, while often appearing on the first team’s gameday roster.
When it rains, it pours! The Union stormed towards the net for a third goal of the game in the 86th minute. This time, it was David Vazquez assisted by Stefan Stojanovic, both off the bench. Stojanovic stole the ball from an Orlando City B throw, passing to Vazquez who shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner, scoring his eighth goal of the season. The game concluded 3-0.
Union II will be back on Sunday, July 2 taking on New York City FC II on the road.
