Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union II communications

Background

After suffering their first loss of the season on the road against Cincinnati 2, Union II return home to face the winless Huntsville City in MLS Next Pro action. There were two notable roster moves ahead of this game. Firstly, David Vazquez was officially signed to a homegrown deal with the first team. Additionally, goalkeeper Andrew Rick signed a first team contract with the Union as the limit of short-term contracts has already been reached. Results wise, Union II sit at 3rd in the East, boasting a 3-3-1 record with 13 goals scored and 8 allowed.

Meanwhile, Huntsville City has struggled so far in the MLS NXP season. They lie near the bottom of the eastern conference with 3 draws and 3 losses. They have only scored 8 goals and let in 11. However, the Nashville FC affiliate is coming off their bye week and will take heart in the result from the last time the teams clashed, where HCFC came away with a 5-2 victory in the 2023 season.

First Half

On a moody afternoon in Chester, Philadelphia Union II faced off against Nashville FC affiliate Huntsville City FC. Despite the rain and persistent chill, many home fans were in attendance, including the loud and proud Bridge Brigade. Union II’s lineup featured 5 changes from their previous game. With Makhanya unavailable and Berdecio moved to the bench, Carlos Rojas and Gavin Wetzel started in the backline. The midfield was unchanged save for Kyle Tucker taking Gio Sequera’s spot at Right Center Midfield. Chris Donovan and Leandro Soria started as the dual forwards with Sal Olivas and Ed Davis moving to the bench.

In the first half of action, U II had Huntsville under heavy pressure for most of the 45 minutes. Leandro Soria made his first start and was involved in several key moments. However, the first opportunity came to captain Kyle Tucker. He received the ball just outside the 18, following a layoff from Donovan, but his shot banged off the crossbar. Shortly after, Soria worked a good dribble down the sideline and crossed, which nearly forced an own goal but only won a corner for his team. Donovan’s header following Tucker’s delivery sailed over the bar. David Vasquez and CJ Olney were particularly involved as they were able to create chances for their teammates or take shots on themselves a number of times.

Despite early chances for Union II and pressure on HCFC in their own third, they were unable to find the back of the net. Andrew Rick was rarely called to action, as his defenders snuffed out most every attack that Huntsville mustered. While the defending was solid, a pair of clumsy challenges saw Pierre and Rojas booked by the referee. All in all, U II dominated the first half of proceedings in virtually every category. They had more possession, more corners, more shots, they even had more yellow cards. Unfortunately, due to poor finishing, they had nothing to show for it at the break.

Second Half

In the second half, Union II were eventually able to wear down Huntsville City. Though at first, things looked to be much of the same. Olney set up Tucker for another long range effort but it was another near miss, as he fired over the bar. After a good sequence, Vazquez dribbled into the box, taking defenders with him, before setting up Soria. His shot from about 15 yards forced a save from the HCFC goalie, stinging Martino’s palms as he collected the shot. Huntsville finally were able to get a shot off as Jonny Bolanos set up Ollie Wright but his shot deflected off a U II defender. Donovan’s skillful play along the opposition endline led to a good cross into Olney but his shot missed just wide of the post.

In the 63rd minute U II head coach Marlon LeBlanc decided to go to his bench. The first substitutions saw Ed Davis and Giovanny Sequera coming on for Soria and Tucker respectively. Not long after the subs, it looked to be a certain goal for Union II but some last minute defending by HCFC kept the scoreline even. A rebounded Ngabo cross fell to Vazquez in the box but his shot was blocked off the line by defender Joel Sangwa. 

Finally, in the 78th minute, U II were able to get the go-ahead goal. Vazquez sent a long ball forward from midfield up to Sequera, who played a one-two with Donovan, before setting up Onley for a first time effort which sailed into the bottom corner past the diving Martino. Huntsville almost had a near instantaneous reply as they worked a series of passes into the box and were able to play a soft lay-off backwards to substitute Scretchen but his open shot cannoned off the crossbar. U II were able to ice the game thanks to a Frankie Westfield penalty kick in the 88th minute. Westfield played the Danish midfielder forward and his mazy run took him into the HCFC box where he was able to draw contact from a defender causing the referee to point to the spot. Westfield stepped up and his run up sent the goalie the wrong way as he secured the win for U II.

Union II thoroughly outperformed their opponents on they day. They ended with a whopping 21 shots (7 on goal) compared to Huntsville’s 6 shots with only one on target. While U II’s finishing was not up to snuff for a majority of the game, they found a way to break the deadlock and were able to get the win and keep a clean sheet at home.

Looking Ahead

Philadelphia Union II will have a bye next matchday. They will be content to sit at 2nd in the Eastern Conference with 17 points, improving to a 4-1-3 record with a +7 goal difference as well as remaining undefeated at home. The following weekend will see a return to MLS Next Pro action as U II will be on the road against familiar foe New England Revolution II. Revolution II currently is in 7th on 11 points but has one less game played than U II. 

Three Points

• David Vazquez displayed his ability and showed why he earned a HGP contract with the Union’s first team. He was very involved in U II’s attacks and despite not getting on the scoresheet he pulled the strings behind most of their best moves. He also showed his rawness as he wasted several good opportunities with some poor finishing. While he still has some developing to do, his potential is evident
• Marlon LeBlanc’s subs proved to be effective and were necessary to help the team get the win. Sequera played well, got involved, and was duly awarded with the assist on the opener. However, Berdicio’s slightly shorter appearance was also a good one. He was able to win possession back a number of times which was key in helping U II close the game out
• The Bridge Brigade is an ever present force at Union II home games. They bring a passionate, vocal support that is decidedly of a Philadelphian flavor. This is rather unique in Next Pro, but it’s notable because it speaks to there being a distinct vibe and flavor at U II game days. Now is the time to come to these games. There is a dedicated supporters group, there are future first teamers and potential National Team players on the field and the results are there. This team is good. The soccer they play is fun to watch and it honestly deserves more support

 Lineups

Philadelphia Union II (4-1-2-1-2): Andrew Rick; Frank Westfield, Carlos Rojas, Neil Pierre, Gavin Wetzel, Sanders Ngabo, CJ Olney, Kyle Tucker (Giovanny Sequera 63’), David Vazquez (Jamir Berdecio 77’), Leandro Soria (Eddy Davis 62’), Chris Donovan (Ryan Zellefrow 89’)

Substitutes not used: Jonathan Evans; Jamir Johnson, Zachary Mastrodimos, Sal Olivas

Huntsville City FC (4-3-3): Ben Martino; Fernando Cicéron, Chris Applewhite, Faiz Opande, Joel Sangwa, Isaiah Johnston, Maximus Ekk ( Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez 58’), Brennan Creek, Jonathan Bolanos, Adem Sipic (Cannon Scretchen 81’), Ollie Wright (Dominic Wilson 81’) 

Substitutes not used: Simon Jillson, Jacob Grekowicz; Tomas Ritondale, Sergi Oriol, Isaiah Jones

Box Score

Officiating Crew

REF: Velimir Stefanovic
AR1: Patrick Casey
AR2: Jessica Carnevale
4TH: Adam Mitchell

GOALS/ASSISTS
PHI – CJ Olney (Sequera) 79′
PHI – Frank Westfield (PK) 89’

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
PHI – Neil Pierre (caution) 13’
PHI – Carlos Rojas (caution) 38’
HNT – Isaiah Johnson (caution) 64′
PHI – Sanders Ngabo (caution) 71’
PHI – David Vazquez (caution) 75’
PHI – Andrew Rick (caution) 85’

Player’s Spotlight

• CJ Olney: 5 Shots (3 SOG), 43 Passes, 93.5% Accuracy
• David Vazquez: 4 Shots (1 SOG), 3 Crosses, 5 Corner Kicks, 4 Key Passes
• Chris Donovan: 3 Shots, 15 passes, 75% Accuracy, 1 Cross, 3 Key Passes

All stats sourced from MLSNXP site. Opta defines key passes as, “the final pass from a player to their teammate who then makes an attempt without scoring”.