Philadelphia Union II continued play in MLS NEXT Pro with a 2-1 win against New York FC II on Wednesday night at Belson Stadium. With the win, Union II are now in third place in the Eastern Conference with 34 points.
In the first half, both sides would remain scoreless despite multiple opportunities. Union II goalkeeper Brooks Thompson recorded four saves in the first half, including an early chance in the 14th minute which saw Thompson rushing close to the edge of the box to make the save and keep the match level.
The second half would open with NYCFC II jumping on the board in the 58th minute as forward Jonathan Jimenez tapped in a goal from point blank range after corralling a rebound from a save by Thompson. The Union would quickly strike back in the 64th minute as defender Frank Westfield sprinted up the sideline to send in a perfectly placed cross to the middle of the box for Jose Riasco to put away the header to tie up the match for the Union.
In the 70th minute, Jimenez found himself with another scoring opportunity, but Thompson’s agility allowed him to narrowly make a diving save after Jimenez sent a ball to the top right of the net.
The Union would secure the win in the 86th minute of the match as forward Nelson Pierre received another well placed cross from Westfield, collecting the ball in the center of the box and sending home an outside the foot shot to the bottom right corner of the goal.
Union II will stay on the road as they travel to face Columbus Crew 2 at Lower.com Field on Saturday, August 27th (5:30 p.m. ET / MLSNEXTPro.com).
