Union Development Squad fall to Jackson Lions in NPSL season opener

Ian Abbey scored twice against his former team to lead the Jackson Lions to a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union Development Squad in the season opener for both teams in NPSL Keystone East Conference action Saturday night in Chester.

Antonios Horozoglou put the hosts up in the first half when he hammered home a poor clearance on a cross played by Conor Clair. The lead would not hold as Abbey scored the first of his two goals when he was played into space in the box by Miguel Diaz. Abbey, a Philadelphia Union Academy grad who goes to Rutgers, added his second from the penalty spot after drawing a foul on UDS goalkeeper Otto Moosbrugger.

Leading 2-1 heading into the second half, Jackson was able to hold the UDS attack in check despite conceding a number of set pieces and corners in their own final third.

Union Academy grad Brandon Golden helped to anchor the defense for Jackson to see out the 2-1 win.

The Union will be back at WSFS Bank Sportsplex on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. to face FC Monmouth. FC Motown won the other Keystone East match over the weekend, besting Atlantic City 1-0. Jackson Lions will host FC Motown and WC Predators will host Atlantic City FC at YSC Sports on Saturday in other conference action.

The Keystone West Conference kicks off on May 14.

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Former Union Academy attacker Ian Abbey spoiled his former team’s home season debut with a brace to lead a 2-1 comeback win for Jackson in the @NPSLSoccer Keystone East Conference opener. pic.twitter.com/7QjmgL3Va6

— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) May 5, 2024