Philadelphia Union II continues its April road trip against Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday, April 16. Kick off from SeatGeek Stadium is set for 7pm with coverage MLSNEXTPro.com.
The Boys in Blue are looking to respond in a big way after suffering a loss to New England Revolution II on Monday afternoon. Union II started off strong against the Revs, getting on the board first with a 10th minute with a buried penalty kick from Stefan Stojanovic.
Revolution II was quick to respond with goals following in the 21st and 29th minute of the first half. By the end of the second, Revolution II had secured their 5-1 victory in Gillette Stadium.
The Union II frontline did well to be an attacking threat, but they will ultimately find success where they can collectively organize their defensive line.
We saw a fresh starting backline against the Revolution II with goalkeeper Brooks Thompson making his first start of the season, as well as recent signée Hugo Le Guennec starting at center back, replacing homegrown center back Brandan Craig who was called up to support the Union in their match against Cincinnati FC on Saturday. Another change made to the starting backline was 2023 signee Juan Castillo at center back with Anton Sorenson returning to the left back position.
Chicago Fire FC II are coming off their first loss of the season to Columbus Crew 2 at home. The Fire finished the game down a player for the second-straight match after a second yellow card near the end of the first half was handed to midfielder Javier Casas Jr., an opportunity that Columbus Crew 2 took advantage of in the 88th minute with a goal from Gibran Rayo.
Ludovic Taillandier, in his second season as Chicago Fire FC II’s head coach, made many attacking changes in the second half of the match to adjust for the red card given to midfielder Javier Casas Jr. His frontline held off an aggressive Crew 2 until the final minutes of the game, showcasing Fire II’s strength and depth on the attack.
