Photo: Ben Ross
Philadelphia Union II ended their six-match unbeaten run at Historic Columbus Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon, when they lost 2-0 to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference leaders.
Columbus Crew 2 clinched the Central Division with the win.
Because both Union professional teams played the same evening five hundred miles apart, just two first-teamers made the second team trip to play the best team in the second team’s conference’s table. The Union’s number three center back, Brandan Craig, was available and captained the side in addition to left back Anton Sorenson.
First place Crew 2 faced the same simultaneous play challenge as did Union II, although the distance between the two Crew games was under 100 miles with the first team in Cincinnati for the latest edition of the “HELL IS REAL” derby. (The actual billboard on the eastern side of I-71 between the two cities is all caps.)
Crew II put the visitors under pressure early, forcing keeper Brooks Thompson into a few early saves. Jake Morris got the opening goal after 40 minutes, firing past Thompson from a tight angle.
Midfielder Bajung Darboe picked up his second yellow card in the 59th minute, leaving Philadelphia down a man for the final 30. Columbus secured the win and the three points with a 84th minute tap-in from Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Union II host Rochester at home on Sunday, September 4 at 3:30 p.m. They still lie third in the table. Their playoff chances remain ahead of expectations after six points from three games in seven days with two having been away.
Three Points
- Marcos Zambrano playing the entire second half which suggests that the Union are still in the running to retain him in the organization.
- Bajung Darboe’s second yellow card in the 59th minute means he will be suspended for the Rochester match next Sunday because Union II do not play Columbus again this season and suspensions must be served during the current regular season unless they occur in the final match.
- Head coach Marlon LeBlanc’s substitution decisions reflected the minutes play in the midweek win away against NYC FC II.
BOXSCORE
Lineups
Union II: (4-2-2-2 “empty bucket,” L-R): Brooks Thompson; Anton Sorenson, Nathan Nkanji, Brandan Craig, Frank Westfield; Maike Villero (Logan Oliver 65′), Boubacar Diallo (Marcello Mazzola 89′); Bajung Darboe 59′, Juan Perdomo (Noe Uwimana 74′); Nelson Pierre (Stefan Stojanovic 74′), Jose Riasco (Marcos Zambrano HT). Unused substitutes: Andrew Rick; Devon Stopek, Anthony Ramirez, Carlos Paternina. Player Source Distribution: 1st – 2, 2nd – 9, Am – 9. Injury rehab: Gino Portella.
Crew 2: (3-4-3): Patrick Schulte; Tristan Weber, Justin Malou (Daniel Strachan 62′), Philip Quinton; Marco Micaletto (Michael Vang 62′), Sean Zawadzki, Isaiah Parente, Jake Morris (Ryan Telfer 72′); Coleman Gannon (Jordan Knight 72′), Jacen Russell-Rowe, Noah Fuson (Ariel Mbumba 86′). Unusued substitutes: Stephen Yerian; Issac Angling, Jay Tee.
Goals
CC2 40th minute Jake Morris (Marco Micaletto)
CC2 84th minute Jacen Russell-Rowe (Jordan Knight)
Cards
U II Yellow 12th minute Bajung Darboe (foul)
CC2 Yellow 18th minute Isaiah Parente (foul)
CC2 Yellow 33rd minute Tristan Weber (foul)
CC2 Yellow 56th minute Sean Zawadzki (foul)
U II Red 59th minute Bajung Darboe (2nd yellow, foul)
U II Yellow 89th minute Nathan Nkanji (foul)
Whistle
Ref: Alyssa Nicols, AR1: Christopher Slane, AR2: Eric Burton, 4TH: Jake Brochu
Stats
U II |
CC2 | U II |
CC2 |
||
26.8 |
Possession % | 73.2 | 5 | Offsides |
1 |
3 |
Shots | 22 | 32 | Duels won |
33 |
1 |
Shots on goal | 7 | 7 | Tackles won |
4 |
2 |
Blocked shots | 9 | 5 | Saves |
1 |
219 |
Total passes | 600 | 20 | Clearances |
6 |
63 |
Passing accuracy % | 86.7 | 13 | Fouls |
10 |
0 |
Corners | 17 | 2 | Yellow cards |
3 |
5 |
Crosses | 17 | 1 | Red cards |
0 |
Hopefully Darboe’s absence won’t be too big a deal since they should be able to pull down the first teamers, unlike the two trips to Rochester.
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Was disappointed (but not surprised) that they didn’t show the game on the screen at Subaru Park before the Union game. It was very hard to follow on my phone but it looked like Columbus dominated from what I saw (and from the numbers above).
Coach LeBlanc tweeted after the match that he was proud of his guys for their effort.
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I was traveling to the stadium for the first-team game and saw nothing of the match itself.
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I was especially sorry to miss Zambrano.