Philadelphia Union II went head to head against Atlanta United 2 on Sunday evening at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, battling to a 1-0 loss.
In the first half, both sides were aggressive on the attack and solid on defense, trading quick counterattacks and key saves. In the 11th minute of the game, a foul outside Atlanta’s box earned Union II a free kick where forward Jeremy Rafanello nearly opened up the game with a shot to the upper right corner, but the attempt was saved. Just three minutes later, goalkeeper Andrew Rick made a crucial save when a ball over the top led Atlanta forward Nick Firmino into a one-on-one with defender Brandan Craig.
In the 20th minute, Union II had another opportunity to put one on the board when forward Jeremy Rafanello dropped the ball into space for midfielder David Vazquez whose left footed shot curved just wide of the post. In the 34th minute, a cross into the box found forward José Riasco whose header dropped onto the right boot of midfielder CJ Olney, but the shot landed left of the post. Minutes later, Riasco tested Atlanta’s keeper once again with an attempt inside the six yard box, firing a shot on target and forcing a quick save.
Just before the half, forward Nick Firmino caught the end of a long ball sent over the Union backline, passing it to forward Karim Tmimi who shot put Atlanta up 1-0.
Atlanta came out assertive at the start of the second half, controlling possession and producing many goal-scoring opportunities. In the 71st minute, Union II nearly found the equalizer after a corner kick found defender Gino Portella on the front post, heading the ball wide. Forward Nelson Pierre chipped the ball to forward Stefan Stojanovic whose header forced Atlanta’s goalkeeper to clinch a diving save in the 85th minute. Despite outshooting Atlanta 11 to eight, Union II could not find the equalizer.
Philadelphia Union II are back on the road on Sunday, May 7 (7:00 p.m. ET / Apple TV) to play New York Red Bulls II at MSU Soccer Park.
