Union II stays unbeaten with come-from-behind draw in Chicago

Three games into the MLS Next Pro season, Philadelphia Union II has conceded a first half goal in three games but remains unbeaten thanks to their ability to get back into games.

Playing in Bridgeview, Illinois on Thursday night, they conceded in the 40th minute but found an equalizer in the 71st minute and looked poised to grab another victory with impact substitute CJ Olney pushing for a winner. They settled for the point and came up short in a penalty shootout that would’ve added an extra point.

Still, through three games with limited support from first team loans – Sanders Ngabo and Nick Pariano both started Thursday – Marlon LeBlanc’s squad is in good form and starting off on a good note.

Eddie Davis III scored his second of the season to tie the game at 1-1, pouncing on a mistake by the goalkeeper who slid out to defend a ball played into the box by Olney but wasn’t able to take hold of the ball to end the play. It was Olney’s first minutes of the season and they showed why he is a prospect to watch this season.

The team is on a bit of a break now without a game this weekend or next. They’ll return home for a 4 p.m. Thursday game against Orlando City B on April 11.

LINEUP
Philadelphia Union II: Andrew Rick; Jamir Berdecio (Neil Pierre 65’), Gavin Wetzel, Olwethu Makhanya, Frank Westfield; Sanders Ngabo, Nick Pariano (Alex Perez 85’), Kyle Tucker (David Vazquez 45’), Giovanny Sequera (CJ Olney 45’); Edward Davis (Ryan Zellefrow 89’) , Sal Olivas.         

Substitutes not used: Mike Sheridan; John Andrus, Randy Meneses, Antonios Horozoglou.

Chicago Fire FC II: Patrick Los; Arnaud Souquet (Billy Hency 45’, Diego Konincks, Jaylen Shannon, Lamonth Rochester; Federico Navarro (Vitaily Hlyut 45’), Javier Casas (Romain Blake 87’)  , David Poreba; Christian Koffi (David Tchetchao 45’), Jason Shokalook (Dylan Borso 71’), Harold Osorio.          

Substitutes not used: Bryan Dowd; Michael Nesci, Christopher Cupps, Juan Miguel Calle.