Philadelphia Union II drop away match to Toronto

Union II battled hard against Toronto FC II on Friday night, but an own goal from Rafael Uzcátegui was enough to separate the sides and earn Union II their second loss of the season.

Coach Ryan Richter took a rotated squad to Toronto on Friday. Due to the first team’s home match against D.C. United, some of the Union II regulars were unable to make the match, including Stas Korzeniowski, Malik Jakupovic, and Sal Olivas. To start the match, Richter went with Nehan Hasan and John Ruf as strikers, giving Hasan his first start of the season. Notably, Pierce Holbrook returned to the starting lineup after an ACL injury, and Eddy Davis III appeared on the bench after an extended time out.

The match started choppy, with both teams failing to establish a rhythm in buildup. Hasan was active for the Union, linking play in transition. The Union’s most dangerous opportunities came from corner kicks taken by Tyler Gladstone and free kicks taken by Kellan LeBlanc, but were unable to convert any of these opportunities in the first half. The decisive moment came in the 35th minute. Toronto’s Fletcher Bank sent in a dangerous cross from the left side. Holbrook dove to parry away the ball, but couldn’t reach it. Union II captain Rafael Uzcátegui tried to clear it, but instead the ball ricocheted off his knee and into his own goal, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead.

Union II attempted to chase the match in the second half, bringing in Willyam Ferreira, Theo Reed, and Eddy Davis, with Davis his first appearance for the Union organization this season. Despite the aggressive substitutions, the young Union squad were unable to make it count and suffered their second loss of the season by a score of 1-0. The loss was the first time that Union II were shut out this season, with Korzeniowski, Jakupovic, and Olivas sorely missed.

The result sees Union II fall into third place in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference, with the potential to fall further due to teams behind them having games in hand. Union II will be in action next on Sunday, April 26th against CT United at Morrone Stadium.