Cayet scores, Sessock makes pro debut and more from MLS Next Pro season openers

While the Philadelphia Union II opened their season at home with a 3-1 loss to Orlando City, there were a number of players with local ties playing elsewhere in the opening weekend of MLS Next Pro.

Temple grad Pierre Cayet scored the third goal of the game in a 3-1 win for New England Revolution II at Atlanta United 2. West Chester native Aiden McFadden was on the scoresheet the wrong way with an own goal. The defender played the full 90 minutes.

YSC Academy and Philadelphia Union Academy grad Nyk Sessock (Holland, Pa.) made his professional debut for Inter Miami II, playing the second half in a 3-1 loss to Chicago Fire 2. Sessock, who played for Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals prior to joining the Union, will be returning to Subaru Park with Inter Miami II this Sunday, April 2. Philadelphia native CJ dos Santos dressed for the season opener but did not play.

Philadelphia Union Academy and YSC Academy grad Joey DeZart made his debut for Nashville SC’s Next Pro team Huntsville City FC in a 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC’s Next Pro team Crown Legacy. DeZart joined Huntsville after spending three seasons in MLS with Orlando City. Goalkeeper Ben Martino, a Union Academy and YSC Academy grad from Pittsburgh, started and played the full 90 for Huntsville. Former Union academy midfielder Ben Bender started and played 65 minutes for Crown Legacy.

West Chester native and Episcopal Academy grad AJ Marcucci started in goal for New York Red Bulls 2 in their 1-1 draw with defending champions Columbus Crew 2. Zion Scarlett (Philadelphia, Pa., FC Delco) did not dress for Crew 2.

Former Union Academy midfielder Aaron Heard was a late sub, logging 1 minute for St. Louis City 2 in their 1-1 draw with Tacoma Defiance.

Former Union Academy midfielder Diego Lopez played 27 minutes for Galaxy II in their 3-0 loss to Earthquakes II. YSC Academy and Union Academy grad Axel Picazo did not dress for Los Dos.

Former Union Academy midfielder Selmir Miscic logged 19 minutes for Portland Timbers 2. Union Academy and YSC Academy grad Dawson McCartney (Voorhees, N.J.) did not dress for Timbers 2.

Penn alum Ben Stitz made his professional debut with a 5-minute cameo for FC Cincinnati 2 in their 4-2 win over Toronto FC II on Monday.