For the second time in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, Philadelphia Union II will face off against Toronto FC II, this time on Wednesday evening at 7pm on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Wednesday's match is the the team’s finale of a three-game road trip which has seen Union II claim victories in the first two road contests. After starting off with a resounding 3-0 shut out victory at Orlando City B, the Boys in Blue knocked off NYCFC II 3-1.
The Boys in Blue had a strong offensive start against NYCFC II in the first half, with forward Jeremy Rafanello scoring the first goal of the game in the ninth minute. Less than ten minutes later, David Vazquez drew a foul in the penalty box, which Rafanello capitalized on to record a brace in the 18th minute. NYCFC II shortened Philadelphia’s lead to 2-1 after Matt Myer’s shot to the bottom right corner reached the back of the net in the 55th minute, but Union II regained the lead with a goal in the 84th minute from Luciano Sanchez. His effort, which secured the 3-1 win, earned him Matchday 15 MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star honors.
This week, the team will take on a Toronto squad that currently holds a 3-10-4 record, sitting at 12th in the Eastern Conference. In their last head to head, Philadelphia won 5-4 in penalty kicks after ending regulation 3-3 on April 23rd at Subaru Park.
A player to watch on the Canadian side is 24-year-old forward Jesús Batiz, who leads the team in goals with six scores over 16 games played.
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