Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union II communications

In the first heat-influenced match of its season, Philadelphia Union II defeated Columbus Crew 2 3-0 at Subaru Park Sunday afternoon Mothers’ Day May 11. Striker Sal Olivas scored the game winner in the 18th minute off a long throw-in from Isaiah LeFlore that clearly took the Columbus center backs by surprise.

Fellow striker Eddy Davis cleaned a Columbus defender decisively when he intercepted an attempt to build play out of the back and broke in alone on the goalkeeper, juked him and deposited the separation goal in the back of the net. And then after Columbus had effectively conceded the match by clearing their bench, Union 2 substitute Jamir Johnson of the academy deposited the clincher in the 83rd, after fellow sub Stas Korzeniowski found sub Markus Anderson on an outside channel to outside channel switch which Anderson tapped into the path of the on-rushing Johnson.

Columbus did not sustain a meaningful length of offensive play in Union II’s defensive third until the 87th minute of the game, illustrating how thoroughly Philadelphia’s starting midfield had controlled the match. Columbus did manage a few threats to the green space behind the Philadelphia restraining line, including one in the 20th minute that forced goalkeeper Oliver Semmle to block a shot from a one v one breakaway. Otherwise, the match was fully controlled by Philadelphia.

In advance

Since both sides’ first teams had played each other in Chester 19 ½ hours earlier , each team was ideally positioned to receive extra first team reinforcements.

But both first teams also have matches this coming Wednesday on only four days rest. Columbus faces Montreal, last place in the east, and Philly faces the LA Galaxy, last place in the entire league. Both matches are ideal candidates for squad rotation which may have restricted deep first team reserve activity.

Injured Neil Pierre is reported to be out for four to six weeks, meaning Union II realigned its defense. Gavin Wetzel moved inside to center back to partner Rafael Uzcategui. Nick Pariano replaced Wetzel at right back. And Henry Bernstein replaced Pariano at defensive mid in the double pivot next to David Vazquez. Oliver Semmle kept goal, since Andrew Rick is currently replacing Andre Blake. Cavan Sullivan started at one flank attacking mid while CJ Olney started at the other. Off-roster Homegrowns Olivas and Davis were the starting strikers.

 It is worth noting that MLS NEXT Flex started this past weekend. It is a tournament via which the Union’s U18s and U16s can qualify for MLS NEXT Cup in mid-June.

First half

When Cavan Sullivan is on the field, unsurprisingly Union 2’s attack flows through him. He was the single Union II player to consistently advance the ball with multiple touches on the dribble. Periodically Columbus got the man when they couldn’t manage to get the ball, and by halftime Sullivan was both battered and frustrated.

While both teams felt the heat, Philadelphia sustained its press, showing higher energy levels than its opponent. Unfortunately there are no official, publicly available measures of the two clubs’ proportions of possession. Columbus’s passing numbers are padded by Philadelphia’s willingness to allow its three center backs to pass the ball to each other horizontally in the Columbus defensive third after they took the lead. The visitors’ tactical shape was intended to spread Philadelphia’s midfield, but it failed to do so against their hosts’ starters.

Second half

Halftime saw both coaches make single substitutions. For Philly Kellen LeBlanc replaced Sullivan. For Columbus Cristian Ortiz replaced Austin Su, with Ortiz moving to striker next to Chase Adams while Cole Mrowka dropped from striker into the midfield to replace Su.

The rest break and the second half’s lower temperatures rejuvenated Philadelphia’s attack. The first five minutes saw at least three Union 2 shots. Colmbus’s starting goalkeeper Stanislav Lapkes kept the match within reach as he continued to do until the 79th minute when a collision with Marcus Anderson and one of his own defenders forced him to retire to the locker room. His replacement was part of head coach Frederico Higuain, a Columbus Crew legend as a number 10 in earlier MLS days, clearing his bench and conceding the contest.

While Ryan Richter’s response produced the third goal described above, Richter used the opportunity to practice the tactic of reinforcing his defense by upgrading his attack. After the 78th minute Philly played with a central striker and two wingers  and only a single defensive midfielder. He played speedster Jamir Johnson up top with Korzeniowski and Anderson and they in effect protected Bernstein who was tiring and slowing. Richter played his development role, even though Columbus may feel he was pouring it on.

Cavan Sullivan

Hopefully the match’s knocks to the youngster will not prevent him from receiving minutes this Wednesday against the LA Galaxy. The leading candidate for 2025’s wooden spoon should provide an excellent opportunity for Quinn Sullivan’s younger brother to add to his store of MLS game minutes.

Next match

Union II next play in two weeks on the 14th day, Sunday the 25th of May at 3:00 PM at Subaru Park against Inter Miami CF II.

Three points

1. Henry Bernstein received his first Union II start the week after having his Union II debut and played the full 90.
2. Jamir Johnson has elite pace, which he used to score his first goal of the season.
3. In this match, Gavin Wetzel and Rafael Uzcategui did not miss a beat as can effective center back pairing.

B O X S C O R E

Lineups

 Union II (4-2-2-2, L-R) Head coach Ryan Richter, Bethlehem Steel FC’s original captain. 1^st – 8+1; UII – 1+6; A – 2+2.

Starters: Oliver Semmle^1st; Isaiah LeFlore^1st, Rafael Uzcategui, Gavin Wetzel^A, Nick Pariano^1st (Jordan Griffin^A 77′) David Vazquez^1st (Markus Anderson^1st 63′), Henry Bernstein^A; CJ Olney^1st, Cavan Sullivan^1st  (Kellen LeBlanc, HT), Sal Olivas^1st (Stas Korzeniowski,  63′), Eddy Davis^1st (Jamir Johnson^A 77′). Starters Ave Age = 20.0

Unused substitutes: Mike Sheridan;  Leo Soria, Oscar Benitez, Ramzi Qawasmy.

Crew 2 (5-3-2) Head coach and legendary Columbus Crew number 10 Frederico “Pipa” Higuain.

Starters: Stanislav Lapkes (Deven Patel 79′); Tristan Brown, Owen Presthus (Brent Adu-Gyamfi 79′), Christopher Rogers, Gianmarco di Noto (Malcolm, Palacios 79′), Quinton Elliot; Nico Rincon, Ibrahima Sy, Austin Su (Cristian Ortix HT); Chase Adams, Cole Mrowka ( Juan Granda 79′)..

Unused substitutes:  Anthony Alaouie.

Goals

Union II.         18th minute          Sal Olivas (Isaiah LeFlore)

Union II          54th minute.         Eddy Davis

Union II          83rd minute          Jamir Johnson (Markus Anderson, Stas Korzeniowski)

Yellow Cards

Crew 2             37th minute          Nico Rincon (foul)

Union II          72nd minute         Henry Bernstein (foul)

Crew 2             88th minute.         Juan Granda (foul)

Stats

Whistle & Flags

Ref: Joshua Encarnacion, AR¹: Adam Cook, AR²: Douglas Clayton, 4^th: Stephen Foster.