Philadelphia Union II met New England Revolution II on Sunday afternoon at Subaru Park, falling 4-3.
In the first half, there was a lively start to the match, and New England would open the scoring just ten minutes in, when midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic earned a free kick just outside of the box. His shot took an unlucky rebound to give New England the 1-0 advantage. Union II nearly tied it up in the 17th minute, when forward Chris Donovan played a beautiful cross across the box, just nearly missing the heads of Union II attackers.
In the 19th minute, forward Jeremy Rafanello played a great pass to forward Chris Donovan who would not be denied on his second attacking opportunity, scoring to tie up the match early. Then in the 24th minute, forward Chris Donovan once again made his attacking presence known, playing a ball across the face of goal to set up a close range shot for midfielder CJ Olney who put Union II up 2-1.
Just before the half, in the 35th minute, forward Chris Donovan nearly scored again for Union II, sending a volley on target and forcing a save from the New England keeper.
Union II opened the second half on the front foot and in the 51st minute, forward Chris Donovan took a shot from a tight angle, sneaking it into the back post to complete his brace and put Union II up 3-1. Midfielder Jeremy Rafanello registered his second assist of the day on the play.
New England midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic pulled one back for Revolution II in the 75th minute, making a run into the box past multiple defenders and finishing from just outside the six yard box for 3-2. Shortly after, in the 82nd minute, New England Revolution II tied up the match when Marcos Dias found the top corner from close range. Union II forward Chris Donovan then nearly found a winner in the 83rd minute, sending a header smashing onto the back post.
The Union went down to ten men in the 86th minute when Maike Villero was shown his second yellow. In stoppage time, New England was able to take advantage of the man up advantage and Esmir Bajraktarevic completed his hat trick for the game winner.
Philadelphia Union II are on the road at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on Wednesday, May 24 (7:00 p.m. ET / MLSNEXTPro.com) where they play Crown Legacy FC.
