Union II clinch playoff birth with win over Red Bull II

With a playoff spot on the line. The Philadelphia Union II travled to Montclair, New Jersey on Sunday to face New York Red Bulls II. Sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with only the top seven advancing into the MLS Next Pro Playoffs, the Union II were in control of their own destiny, and they got the job done.

Here’s how it happened:

Win, and secure a spot in the playoffs. The message was clear for the Boys in Blue on Sunday, and the young-guns executed the game plan nearly to perfection. The Union II kicked off their match against Red Bull in a heavy press, forcing New York to hold the ball and make mistakes.

Applying such a large amount of pressure during a match requires stellar discipline from a team’s back line, and center backs Olwethu Makhanya and Hugo Le Guennec were up to the task. The pair controlled the game for the Union II, distributing the ball perfectly, tackling back on a stagnant Red Bull offense, and dictating the pace of play to allow the U to get of the field on their own terms.

Seemingly a recipe for success, the Union were still looking for the go-ahead goal to truly take command on the match. This would come in the 20th minute, as Jeremy Rafanello snuck a set piece into the bottom right corner of the net to set the U off and running. This was Rafa’s ninth goal of the season, continuing to be the spark plug for the Union side while dictating the midfield.

Additionally, just before halftime, center back Hugo Le Guennec bagged his first goal of the season in sensational fashion. A Red Bull clearance fell to the foot of Le Guennec who decided to do his best Jakob Glesnes impression, blistering the ball into the upper left corner and doubling the Union II’s lead going into the half.

The second half saw a more defensive gameplan for the U, which held until a Julian Hall headed away a beautiful service for Red Bull II to cut the Union’s lead in half in the 73rd minute. However, the Union defense held strong, bending but not breaking for the duration of the 45 minutes.

In second half stoppage time, the Union II solidified their playoff spot. David Vasquez tucked away a driven cross from Juan Castillo to put the U up 3-1 in the 92nd minute. For his efforts and goal in the match, David Vasquez was also named Rising Star of the Matchday.

Up Next:

With their victory on Sunday, the Philadelphia Union II qualified for the MLS Next Pro Playoffs as the seventh seed. Their next match does not have a date currently, but they are set to play the New England Revolution II in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Stay updated with the Philadelphia Union II on X (@philaunionii) and Instagram (philaunionii) to follow their 2023 playoff run!