Philadelphia Union II hit the road looking to continue their recent momentum as they face off against Atlanta United II on Sunday evening. Kick off from Fifth Third Bank Stadium is set for 6PM ET with a free match stream on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Union II come into the next matchup against Atlanta coming off a whirlwind extra point, post-regulation shootout victory against Toronto FC II last weekend. The Boys in Blue jumped out to an early two-goal lead with back-to-back goals from Union homegrown midfielder Jeremy Rafanello and forward Jose Riasco within 60 seconds of one another for their first goals of 2023.
Toronto climbed their way back into the contest with Antony Curic and Hugo Mbongue, scoring goals in the 56th and 68th minute to see the match tied at 2-2. Toronto sealed their comeback in the 74th minute, taking advantage of an Anton Sorenson foul in the box with a converted penalty kick from Jesus Batiz.
However Union II didn’t hang their heads and instead battled back as substitute forward Stefan Stojanovic snatched the equalizer shortly after he joined the match to make it a 3-3 scoreline.
As the final whistle rang out at Subaru Park, the unique ending of MLS NEXT Pro took place for the first time for Union II in 2023 with a post-regulation shootout to determine which side would collect an extra point in the standings. Goalkeeper Holden Trent made a key save on Toronto’s final shot and midfielder Richard Odada clinched the extra point after netting his goal, helping Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II squad snag the shootout point in front of their fans.
The match saw the debut U-17 team captain Daniel Krueger at center back with the Academy amateur going the full distance. Now Union II made his debut start at center back, playing the full 90’.The victory solidifies Union II’s footing in the season, setting the team up nicely for the road ahead against Atlanta.
Atlanta United II are currently 2(W) – 1(D) – 2(L) in the season thus far, winning their previous two games at home and defeating Chicago FC II 2-0 most recently last weekend. During that matchup, forward Nick Firmino scored his second consecutive brace of the season with the first occurring in the 10th minute and the second in the 84th. Firmino has proven himself a force up top, scoring five goals this season. Atlanta ends their stretch of three at-home games facing off against Union II. With both sides carrying great momentum, this matchup is sure to be a battle to watch.
Steve Cooke, in his inaugural season as Atlanta United II’s head coach, demonstrated his ability to sign game-ready players like goalkeeper Vincente Reyes who has started four of Atlanta’s five games this season, earning his first clean sheet against Chicago.
Union II and Atlanta United II will go head to head at Fifth Third Stadium at 6:00 p.m. ET on April 30th on MLSNEXTPro.com.
