Philadelpia Union II looks to conclude their 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season with another historical milestone as they head to Chicago Fire II for a Decision Day clash on Sunday afternoon. Don't miss the contest starting at 1PM ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The youngest team in the Eastern Conference enters the final contest of the season sitting atop the table with a one point lead over FC Cincinnati 2. A victory over the Fire would mark the first time in the club's history they have topped the conference table heading into the postseason. 2024 has already been a historic run for the club with Union II guaranteed to host their first-ever home playoff match on October 20th. On the individual front, Academy graduate Eddy Davis III has 13 goals to surpass the single-season scoring record previously held by former Bethlehem Steel FC and current Marseille forward Faris Moumbagna. CJ Olney, Andrew Rick and David Vazquez have also impressed this season and earned MLS homegrown deals during the season as well.
Union II reclaimed the top spot in the East last weekend in a thrilling finish at Subaru Park against Atlanta United 2. The Boys in Blue overcame a first-half deficit for the second straight match as center back Neil Pierre pushed forward to help jump start the game-tying goal with a drive into the box before sending in a centering pass that was blocked in the box. Davis won the ball and quickly flicked it back to Cavan Sullivan with the 15-year-hold homegrow smashing a left-footed shot off the post and in. The game winner came again with more excitement as the homeside mounted one last attack before the final whistle. Team captain Frankie Westfield whipped in a deep cross that was won by substitute Leandro Soria and smashed a centering header along the goal line. Atlanta United FC 2 couldn't clear which presented Olney to hit home a bouncing shot with his right to seal all three points for Union II.
Sunday's match marks the third time in the regular season that Philly and Chicago have faced off with Union II grabbing results in both contests. The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw on March 28th with the Fire grabbing the extra point via a 4-3 penalty kick shootout victory. Union II claimed all three points in August with a 3-2 win at Subaru Park led by a first professional brace from forward Leandro Soria.
The Decision Day clash is just as important for Chicago as it is for Union II with the Windy City side sitting in 7th place in the table with one game to go. Only three teams have secured postseason berths so far in the East with Inter Miami CF II, New York City FC II, Crown Legacy, Chicago, Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC and Columbus Crew 2 all within three points of one another. The Fire are coming off a momentum 1-0 road win over Crew 2 last weekend with Golden Boot leader David Poreba providing the offense with a ninth minute goal. The finish was the 21-year-olds 18th of the season, putting him three goals clear of the field entering the final regular season match. Fans can expect a tight matchup between the two sides with seven of Chicago's last eight matches decided by one goal or less.
