Looking to continue their two-game win streak, Philadelphia Union II is back in action on Sunday night against rival New York Red Bull II. Kick off is set for 5PM from MSU Soccer Park and will be broadcasted for free on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Although Union II is fielding the youngest side in MLS NEXT Pro, they currently sit atop of MLS NEXT Pro’s Eastern Conference with 20 points and a game in hand over Chattanooga FC. The path to success has been on defense, having allowed just nine goals so far in 2024 and look to carry that momentum into their rivalry showdown.
Last weekend, Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc's side earned a convincing 3-1 win on the road against New England Revolution II. In the 47th minute, Eddy Davis II flicked the ball on for Chris Donovan, who ran in behind and slotted the ball in the corner for a composed finish. Davis and Donovan currently lead Union II in goals scored, with 4 a piece. Revolution II struck back in the 63rd minute with a goal from Marcos Dias, but ultimately it was not enough to take a point. The Boys in Blue struck again in the 76th minute when Olney Jr lofted a cross into the penalty area, where Chris Donovan completed his brace with a header against the goalkeeper’s momentum, and Olwethu Makhanya scored his first Union II goal off a header from 14 year old Kyle Tucker’s corner in the 81st minute.
Sunday's matchup is the second time the two sides have squared off in 2024, with Union II grabbing the win via a shootout following a 1-1 scoreline in regulation on April 21st. Red Bulls II opened up the scoreline in the 14th minute with a goal from Steven Sserwadda. The Boys in Blue bounced back in the 56th minute when Frankie Westfield crossed the ball on a dime to Davis, who was waiting on the 6 yard box, and calmly put the ball in the back of the net. In the PK shootout, Westfield, Ngabo, Tucker, and Olney Jr all converted their kicks from the spot for a 4-2 shootout win.
After making the postseason in 2023, New York Red Bull II currently occupies the fourth position in the Eastern Conference table with 17 points, putting them only three points behind Union II and having played one more game. They are coming off a 2 game losing streak, with one away against Orlando (2-1) and the other last Sunday at home against FC Cincinnati (4-1). Despite a solid 4-1-1 away record, Red Bulls have yet to claim all three points at home this season. The side have yet to find a replacement for league-leading scorer Roald Mitchell and his eight goals with the forward out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Since losing the forward, NYRB II have scored just five times and are 1-3-1. Ibrahim Kasule is the player to watch with the midfielder having score in each of the past three matches.
