Union II win streak snapped in 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati 2

Philadelphia Union II fell to FC Cincinnati 2 Sunday evening 2-1. The loss is Union II’s first regulation loss since June 18, and gives Cincinnati 2 their first road win of the MLS Next Pro season. With the loss, Union II drops to 9-9-4 on the season. 

Cincinnati forward Malik Pinto scored the game’s decisive goal in the 47th minute. Stefan Stojanovic was Philadelphia’s lone goal-scorer for the match.

The first half was played at a blistering pace, with Philadelphia controlling much of the run of play. 

Cincinnati struck first in the 10th minute after forward Quimi Ordoñez pushed down the right wing, creating a chance that was poorly cleared by the Union. The ball found its way to the feet of former Penn forward Ben Stitz, who slotted it past Union keeper Andrew Rick, putting Cincinnati up 1-0.

Midfielder C.J. Olney almost equalized just two minutes later, but Cincinnati keeper Paul Walters came up with a beautiful double save on an initial attempt and a rebound attempt from Olney. Walters made five saves on six shots on target from the Union in the first half.

It wouldn’t take long for Philadelphia to find its equalizer, as in the 17th minute midfielder David Vazquez played a lofted ball through to Stojanovic who was able to beat Walters one-on-one, pulling the Union equal at 1-1.

The Union continued to play well, controlling possession and creating chances, but many of the shots taken were largely unthreatening. The meaningful chances that the Union were able to produce were snuffed out by Walters.

Cincinnati was able to create some positive momentum in the last five minutes of the first, as Ordoñez had two strong chances. The first forced Rick to make a kick save in the 43rd after a defensive lapse from the Union. Then in first-half stoppage time Ordoñez drove into the box and went down looking for a penalty, but no foul was called.

Cincinnati adjusted coming out of the locker room, and quickly found success. In the 47th minute, Cincinnati forward Malik Pinto received a through ball and shot to the right of Rick, who could not stop the shot before it reached the back of the net. Pinto’s goal put Cincinnati up 2-1.

The Union were firmly put on their heels by Cincinnati in the first 30 minutes of the second-half, with Cincinnati controlling the middle of the park and limiting the Union to just two shots by the 75th minute, neither of which forced Walters into making a save.

The Union had an excellent chance in the 58th minute on the counter attack, with a cross from defender Juan Castillo almost finding the feet of forward Eddy Davis. Davis was ultimately unable to connect with the cross, and Walters was able to collect.

Midfielder Kyle Tucker was able to force the first second-half save from Walters in the 81st minute with a shot from just beyond the 18-yard box, but the shot didn’t provide much of a challenge to Walters. Philadelphia was able to come forward with a little more ease as the half went on, creating more chances, but none that were especially threatening to Cincinnati’s lead.

Stojanovic had a chance on a volley in the box in the 86th that was blocked before it could reach the goal frame. Cincinnati playing with the lead was able to condense defensively, limiting their own possessions but putting bodies in front of the ball.

Philadelphia was awarded a late free kick right on the right edge of the box about four minutes into stoppage time, but Castillo’s attempt from the initial service was wide.

Ultimately, Philadelphia was unable to find an equalizer, falling to Cincinnati 2-1.

Union II will be back in action August 19th in Huntsville against Huntsville FC.