For the first time in 2024, Philadelphia Union II is on the road as they face off against Chicago Fire II for a Thursday night clash. Don't miss the action as they look to continue their unbeaten start with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Union II currently sits atop the Eastern Conference entering Matchday 3 after back-to-back 2-1 home victories to start the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. The Boys in Blue earned their second win in a row on Sunday fielding a very young squad that saw six players make their league debut. Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc's side overcame another early deficit to draw level in the first half as Kyle Tucker whipped in a cross that hit off a New England Revolution II defender and into the back of the net. The second half saw Union II again turn to its defensive press to create controlled chaos to hit on the counter attack as Cavan Sullivan took possession and sent a long ball forward for Sal Olivas. Battling a pair of defenders on his own, the Union Academy product laced a shot for the far post from 20 yards out for the game winner.
Union II's result sees them not only at the top of the East but No. 3 in the latest MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings.
Chicago Fire II is currently unbeaten to start their own 2024 season too with a penalty kick shootout victory over FC Cincinnati 2 in their league opener. After a scoreless first half, Omari Glasgow opened the scoring for Chicago with the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Matchweek only to be answered by the Ohio side three minutes later to see the game leveled at 1-1. In shots from the penalty spot, Chicago was clinical as they went a perfect 5 for 5 from the spot. Fire II are also one of 11 teams from MLS NEXT Pro to competed in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup having earned a 6-0 victory over Chicago City SC.
