Philadelphia Union II fell 2-0 to New York City FC II at Belson Stadium on Sunday night. Unable to complete the 2023 series with a third win against their Eastern Conference foes, the squad now sits two spots below the playoff line in ninth. The team has just three regular season games left, taking on Toronto FC II next in a high stakes at Subaru Park on Friday.
Both teams had ample opportunity to score in the first half of Sunday’s game, starting with an early chance for New York’s John Denis in the first 30 seconds. His effort was squandered by Andrew Rick, tallying his first of five first half saves. He kept the score level until the 36th minute, when New York’s Jonathan Jiménez ripped a shot from the right side of the box after a series of quick passes in transition, opening the scoring.
Both the Union II and NYCFC II found seven shots in the first half, but the first 45 minutes ended in favor of New York City FC II. Philadelphia’s opponent extended their lead to 2-0 in the second half when former Philadelphia Union Academy player turned Cityzen Matt Myers earned his 17th goal of the season in the 69th minute.
Throughout the game, Union II Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc made five changes to New York's two, sending in all but two players for a chance to spark momentum, but the team was unable to capitalize on their attack through the final whistle.
The Union will continue their battle toward a postseason berth against Toronto FC II on Friday night at home, click here for tickets!
