Own goal gives Philadelphia Union U16s first win at Mexico tournament

A mishit clearance by a San Jose Earthquakes defender gave the Philadelphia Union Academy U16 team its first points on Monday in the Liga MX International Tournament.

After conceding eight goals in three losses to open tournament play, goalkeeper Kristopher Shakes and the back line held the Earthquakes scoreless for the full 70 minutes to register the team’s first clean sheet.

The 21st minute own goal was the lone goal of the match and gave the Union U16s all three points, the team’s first of the tournament, with games still to play against FC Dallas, Club Tijuana and Pachuca.

The top two MLS teams will advance to the finals against the top two Liga MX teams. LA Galaxy lead the MLS Group with nine points and the Union are tied for second place with FC Dallas on three points after FC Dallas’ 2-1 loss to Santos Laguna on Monday. LA Galaxy lost to Pachuca 3-0 on Monday. Pachuca now leads all teams with 12 points from four wins.

Shakes, John Wagner, Rayshaun McGann, Benjamin Ofeimu and Oluwa Ogunwale, Seth Kuhn, Brenden Aaronson, Jake Simpson, Nick Blacklock, Jason Aoyma and Liam O’Brien started the match for the blue and gold.

Nykolas Sessock (49’), Issa Rayyan (49’), Carter Emack (49’), Michael Pellegrino (59’) and Iverson Brisma (60’) subbed in off the bench.

The Union play Club Tijuana at 1:10 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.