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

1. Marcos Zambrano playing the entire second half which suggests that the Union are still in the running to retain him in the organization.
2. 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.
3. 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: 1^st – 2, 2^nd – 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,  4^TH: Jake Brochu

Stats