Philadelphia Union II battled until the final whistle and was inches away from securing a postseason berth but ultimately fell to Inter Miami CF II by a 3-2 scoreline on Sunday night.
Sunday night's clash between the two Eastern Conference foes pitted the road team needing just a point to secure a third-straight trip to the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs while Miami was battling continued its battle for potential home playoff match. After a first half that saw the hosts score on their only shot on frame, Union II battled with with Frankie Westfield tying up the contest with his fifth goal of the season in the 68th minute. Miami responded with a set piece goal with five minutes remaining and then converted an important penalty kick chance at the beginning of second half stoppage time to give themselves a two-goal lead against the Boys in Blue. Philly battled back with Eddy Davis III notching his 12th goal of the campaign with four minutes left to trim the lead to one. Markus Anderson nearly led a solo counter attack but was taken down 35 yards from goal to set up a final opportunity for Union II with Kyle Tucker connecting with Westfield for an acrobatic finish that went begging wide.
The youngest side in all of MLS NEXT Pro got even younger on Sunday evening with Marlon LeBlanc's side putting three amateurs from the Union Academy in the starting lineup including midfielder Zach Mastrodimos who picked up his first start in league play. The U-18 defensive midfielder had support in the diamond alongside David Vazquez, CJ Olney and 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan. Forward Jamir Johnson and Sal Olivas made appearances in the second half at Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night and the duo were promoted to the first XI at kick off to help push the side that seeked a postseason spot.
Both sides took early attempts tp break open the scoring with CJ Olney trying for two goals in two matches only to see his headed effort off the mark. Two minutes later it was Lawson Sunderland having a go but his shot was blocked before it could reach goalkeeper Oliver Semmle. A tactical chess match ensued shortly after with neither side allowed the other to try and build through the midfield. With little space to operate and slow buildups the only way forward, neither squad looked comfortable with a bit of back fortune putting the hosts ahead in the 41st minute. After Union II had pushed numbers forward, Inter Miami CF II launched a counter attack with Yuval Cohen. Cutting into the box from the left side of the attack, Cohen ripped a shot that was deflected off center back Gavin Wetzel and floated into the box.
Philly sought a quick response after falling behind with Vazquez having a go from 30 yards out across the slick surface that forced a diving attempt from the keeper but trickled wide. Union II made a pair of changes at the break with a pair of MLS substitutes as Nick Pariano and Markus Anderson entered for Mastrodimos and Johnson. As the clock ticked higher and higher the intensity of the contest matched it in stride with the Boys in Blue getting an equalizer in the 68th minute from Vice Captain Frankie Westfield. A strong bit of possession and patience led to the goal as the Union worked it around the box before Olney slipped in a pass for Westfield. Beating his man at the edge of the box, the Academy graduate calmly beat the keeper with a right-footed shot inside the far post.
With the match leveled at a goal apiece, both sides continued to push for the three points that would be critcal to their postseason position with Eddy Davis III and Kellan LeBlanc brought on for Olivas and David Vazquez. Miami nearly found a second in the 84th minute as substitute Idoh Zeltzer-Zubida faked a shot and then unleashed a blast that hit off both posts and stayed out. Union II scrambled to avoid a rebound which presented the hosts a corner kick. As Union II made their final change of the evevning sending in Kyle Tucker for Cavan Sullivan, Miami scored with center back Ryan Sailor getting his first MLS NEXT Pro goal.
The one goal deficit became two early in second-half stoppage time as Semmle raced off his line and collided with Mateo Saja which quickly saw a point to the penalty spot. Dairon Reyes went for the upper 90 and placed it perfectly to beat the Union keeper and give the hosts a two goal lead with little time remaining.
Union II kept battling despite only four minutes of stoppage time left with Markus Anderson raced into the box and laid off a pass to leading goalscorer Eddy Davis III who quickly ripped a shot that crashed into the back of the net and gave Union II momentum for a final push.
Union II continues its battle in a congested Eastern Conference table next week when they host New York City FC II on Monday, September 23rd. Kick off from Subaru Park is set for 4PM ET with tickets for the contest available for purchase by clicking here.
