After securing their berth into the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs on Decision Day, Philadelphia Union II will battle Toronto FC II in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Saturday, September 24th. Kick off from BMO Field is set for 7 p.m. ET with the match streamed for free with an enhanced broadcast on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Union II punched their ticket to the postseason on Sunday afternoon with a 3-1 road win against New England Revolution II. Matt Real, Jeremy Rafanello and Chris Donovan led the offense with goals in the first half while goalkeeper Matt Freese was strong in goal with seven saves to see out the victory.
Saturday's showdown in the playoffs will be the third time the two sides have squared off with the Canadian side claiming dramatic late victories in both previous contests. On June 11th, just as the match looked to end even and go to penalties, Nakye Greenidge-Duncan poked home a late goal in the 92nd minute put Toronto on top when the final whistle blew. Just over a month later a shootout seemed on the cards after Real scored his first goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season on a right footed strike to bring the score even at 1-1. Toronto FC II midfielder Julian Altobelli then responded in the 89th minute with a right footed shot to give Toronto the 2-1 victory.
