Philadelphia Union II are departing Colombia early and undefeated following a fire in the team hotel. After notching wins on Monday and Tuesday in the Torneo Las Americas Elite, Union II were forced to evacuate the team hotel when a fire broke out Wednesday.
The club released the following statement about the incident: “There was a fire in the hotel during the early morning hours where Philadelphia Union II is staying for the Torneo Las Americas Elite tournament in Cartagena, Colombia. The travel party, including players and staff, evacuated safely with one individual being treated for minor smoke inhalation. The team will be returning to Philadelphia and withdrawing from the remainder of the competition.”
The Torneo Las Americas Elite is a high-level U18 tournament that pitted Union II against some of Colombia’s top clubs, including Deportivo Cali. Union II knocked off Deportivo 2-1 on Tuesday after rolling past Academia Alemena 3-1 on Monday. Union homegrown defender Brandan Craig assisted the third goal in that victory. Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc brings his charges back to Philadelphia to continue training.
