In their final regular season home match, Philadelphia Union II defeated Atlanta United II 2-1 via goals from Cavan Sullivan and CJ Olney as they get ready for the playoffs. Also, some Union II roundup of recent player and coach interviews.
Main article photo: CJ Olney celebrates his game-winning goal. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II
Facing an Atlanta United 2 team far who were far below the playoff line on the table, on the verge of elimination, would make it seem like the 2nd place Union II could have a big result hosting them in Chester, especially with the strong lineup that was put out on the field. Any given Sunday, as “they” say, though. After being at a stalemate for most of the first half, and having some quality chances early on from Cavan Sullivan and Eddy Davis, and a goal negated by an offside call, Atlanta struck first after a foul in the box led to an Atlanta PK, which Nick Fermino converted in the 43′. This came after a huge breakaway chance by Eddy Davis that he failed to capitalize on, and what seemed like a possible PK after Cavan was taken down inside the box.
The boys in blue came out rejuvenated in the second half with pressure on Atlanta and chances being created.
Cavan Sullivan would finally put Union II on the board in the 78′ after capping off a skillful sequence that began with Neil Pierre pushing up to the box, sending it toward goal to Eddy Davis, who back heeled it to Cavan. The just-turned 15 year old banged it home for the day-late “birthday goal” fans were hoping for. More importantly, Union II had new life in the game.
The game went to six minutes of stoppage time, and in the final minute of play, Frankie Westfield sent the ball into the box, where it bounced around Atlanta defenders and Neil Pierre before it found the foot of CJ Olney, who put it in the back of the net for the game winner. The victory put Union II at the top of the Eastern Conference, and with Cincinnati 2’s loss later that evening, U2 would remain in that position by one point.
Following the match, Kyle Almoney and I spoke to Coach Marlon LeBlanc and CJ Olney. Marlon remarked that they missed some chances in the first and second half, but they didn’t play poorly in the first 45 minutes. He was “incredibly proud of the resilience” and there were “little bend not break moments.” Of note, Markus Anderson had not been in the lineup due to card accumulation, and David Vazquez was out as a precautionary measure due to picking up a knock (hip injury) and not wanting to risk him getting further injured before the playoffs.
Union II head to Chicago on Sunday, October 6 to wrap up the regular season in a 1:00 PM matchup with Chicago Fire II. They have secured a home playoff game, which will be on Sunday, October 20 at Subaru Park. On a personal note, I hope to see fans packing “the Soob” and supporting these young men who have had an incredible season. Whatever happens with the first team in their playoff push, and hopefully that does result in a berth, the second team is poised to make a run for the MLS Next Pro championship and with the talented, tenacious squad they have, they have a legitimate chance.
Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Union II
Union II Round Up
Recently, Kyle Almoney had a chance to attend Union II training and talked with Andrew Rick about his spectacular save that made Sportscenter’s Top 10 (ranked #2). Rick also earned “Team of the Matchday” honors from MLS.
Kyle also had a chance to talk with up and coming defender Gavin Wetzel,who has been earning more and more playing time, including some recent starts. Back in July, he had his first career goal to tie the game versus Columbus Crew 2 in the 93′.
Finally, after being away on loan to Boston River in Uruguay, José Riasco has returned to Union II. Marlon LeBlanc remarked on his return and getting him to an ideal fitness level. He has since appeared in two games for Union II off the bench.
For more Union and Union II coverage, be sure to follow Jillian on X at @silly__jilly and Kyle at @coachalmoney, and @totwag
The One Team We Agree On 
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