Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union II Communications

After slightly more than a one hour rain and lightning delay in Chattanooga, TN Saturday evening, Philadelphia Union II drew to hosts Chattanooga FC in regulation 0-0 and won a twelve round penalty kick shootout 9-8.

The shootout victory secures two points against the conference leaders as Union II remain undefeated with two wins and four draws in six games, and end up in fifth place in the east with two games in hand.

Andrew Rick had five saves in regulation including one against a breakaway, and four in the shootout – adding a spot kick goal of his own in the shootout. Nick Pariano once again was masterful at defensive midfielder, and scored twice in the shootout, including what became the shootout winner. From PSP’s perspective they are both the Men of the Match.

In advance

For the first time this season the Philadelphia Union and Philadelphia Union II played simultaneously and away, forcing the technical staff to allocate its deep reserves to only one or the other. Because of this, players could not dress for both games. Aside from the on-going surgical recovery of Ian Glavinovich, both teams were injury-free, but Bradley Carnell said something last Thursday about a stomach bug making the rounds.

Furthermore, the first team was beginning its 29-day stretch of eight games that could become nine if they advance in the Open Cup past USL Championship’s Indy Eleven next Wednesday. In the more dire of the two scenarios, that would require playing on the third day after the previous match   for four consecutive weeks.

Attacking mid Cavan Sullivan was not available to Union II. Center back Neil Pierre and versatile mid David Vazquez were, as were left back Isaiah LeFlore, goalkeeper Rick, defensive mid Pariano, and attacking midfielder CJ Olney. Strikers Sal Olivas and Eddy Davis played for the second team as they usually do. Striker Markus Anderson was unaccounted for.

As an independent with no MLS affiliation, eastern conference first place holder Chattanooga was at full strength. And as the hunting cliché goes they were loaded for bear  because they were coming off their first loss (to Columbus Crew 2, 3-0).

First half

Missing both Stas Korzeniowski and Markus Anderson from the forward line, Philadelphia lacked its usual degree of holdup play from its forwards.

While Kellen LeBlanc showed improved athleticism and defensive ground coverage for the first 20 minutes in his first start of the season, the other fifty-five minutes of his shift had less effect on play. Last summer’s gawky young colt who could barely control his brand new longer legs now consistently covers ground with pace when he’s fresh.

The first fifteen minutes saw Chattanooga on the front foot. Then Union II began to have longer spells of possession and offensive pressure until the half’s last fifteen minutes when the pace slowed as fatigue set in.

Cavan Sullivan’s offensive contributions and constant defensive pressure were missed as he traveled with the first team. Missed even more was a smoothly coordinated midfield foursome that plays well together. Head coach Ryan  Richter needs time to have all of the possible combinations of offensive parts to practice working together.

Second half

Each team made one halftime change. for the Tennesseans, MinJae Kwak replaced  Markus Nagelstad in the offense. For Philly, academy amateur Henry Bernstein debuted, replacing CJ Olney in the midfield swapping spots with David Vazquez who moved forward into an attacking midfield role while while he Bernstein joined Pariano as a double six.

The balance of the match changed in the second half. Bucking a trend, the Union II held a possession advantage and made more passes than their hosts, but Chattanooga’s defense remained stout.

For the last six minutes of regulation the visitors were without center back Neil Pierre due to injury. Richter deserves full credit for his adjustments. He moved Pariano to right back, Gavin Wetzel to center back, and placed Oscar Benitez at defensive mid next to the debutante Bernstein. The manager’s changes worked, a credit to the players for their poise and to their coaches for practice preparing them to adjust.

 Next match

Union II next play at Subaru Park Sunday, May 11^th hosting Columbus Crew 2 at 3:00 PM.

Three points

1 Olney’s departure at halftime may have been stomach flu, but otherwise might indicate he has a role to play in this coming Wednesday’s U. S. Open Cup match hosting Indianapolis.

2 Isaiah LeFlore not only had a crucial goalie clearance in the 48th minute to preserve the clean sheet, but also played his best defensive game of his Union II career.

3 Rafael Uzcategui continues to impress at center back.

B O X S C O R E

Lineups

Union II (4-2-2-2, L-R), 1^st – 8+0; U II – 2+6; A – 1+1.

Starters: Andrew Rick; Isaiah LeFlore, Rafael Uzcategui, Neil Pierre (Oscar Benitez 85′), Gavin Wetzel; David Vazquez (Gio Sequera 85′), Nick Pariano; CJ Olney (Henry Bernstein HT), Kellan LeBlanc (Leo Soria 76′); Sal Olivas (StasKorzeniowski 68′), Eddy Davis. Starters’ Ave Age = 19.4

Unused Substitutes: Mike Sheridan; Ramzi Qawasmy.

Chattanooga (4-3-3)

Starters: Eldin Jakupovic; Ethan Dudley (Logan Brown 83′), Farid Sar-Sar, Nathan Koehler, Tate Robertson; Callum Watson, Nick Mendonca, Daniel Mangarov, Keegan Ancelin; Peter Plougmand, Markus Nagelstad (Minjae Kwak HT).

Unused Substitutes: Michael Barrueta, Robert Screen, , Steeve Louis Jean, Darwin Ortiz, Colin Thomas, , JP Philpot, Mike Bleeker.

Goals

 None

Yellow Cards

CFC.           66th minute          Tate Robertson (foul)

Stats

Whistle & Flags

Ref, Celeste Roberts; AR¹, Aaron Riley; AR², James Duling; 4^th, Aleksandar Zhelyazkov.

Shootout