Philadelphia Union II defeated Crown Legacy on Saturday in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Semifinal, but with heavy hearts. Goalkeeper Holden Trent tragically passed away at age 25 earlier that day.
Photo credit: Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II 1, Crown Legacy 1, PHI wins 4:3 on PKs
Late last week, the news came that Union backup goalkeeper Holden Trent was in the ICU. On Saturday, shortly before Union II were set to compete in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, the Union posted an update that Holden had passed surrounded by his loved ones. This devastating loss cast a pall at Subaru Park, but the boys in blue were determined to win for Holden.
CJ Olney walked up to the spot as the crowd roared, ready to take what would hopefully be the winning shot on goal in the fifth round of penalty kicks. U2 goalkeeper Andrew Rick had just made a huge save. Make this kick, and Union II would be through to the Eastern Conference final. A hush grew over the crowd at Subaru Park as Olney readied himself for the kick. He stutter stepped and then banged it home in the top right corner, out of the reach of Crown Legacy’s keeper to seal the win, or the “DUB!” as captain Frankie Westfield likes to proclaim. It was pandemonium on the field and the stands as Olney jumped into the embrace of Rick, and the team raced over to celebrate.
On top of mourning their teammate, the win did not come easily. Union II started the match by having numerous chances, but just could not finish. Crown Legacy’s 6’7″ keeper, Chituru Odunze, had a strong performance and was able to keep the ball out of the net until the 28′ when U2 center back Olwethu Makhanya connected on a header from a corner kick. They would hold that lead until the 89′ when Dylan Sing scored the equalizer for Crown Legacy. It was a gut punch to U2, however their grit and determination were on full display. The match would go to extra time, and after neither team was able to score after 30 minutes of extra time, it was time for a shootout.
CLFC would make their first two shots, while Westfield made his and then Nick Pariano’s was saved. The third shot by CLFC was saved and Makhanya scored to make it level. CLFC would make their fourth shot, as would Sal Olivas. On the fifth shot for CLFC, Rick once again came up huge with a save. That left Olney as the probable hero again after he scored the 86′ winning goal the week prior, and he delivered.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Marlon LeBlanc talked about the development and resilience of the team, and while he always stresses the development, they are winning.
A change in the lineup from the quarterfinal match was Makhanya returning to the starting 11. After LeBlanc had relegated him to the bench in the prior match due to undisclosed “learning a lesson” reasons, Makhanya made the most of his starting role with a strong performance that included a goal. The South African has yet to appear on the field for the first team since he was signed in 2023 as the first U22 initiative player for the team. He, along with U2’s other towering center back Neil Pierre, LB Frankie Westfield, and RB Gavin Wetzel were able to keep CLFC’s talented strikers at bay.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came when LeBlanc talked about Holden Trent and the team’s determination to win for Holden:
In post match interviews, Andrew Rick, CJ Olney, and Markus Anderson reiterated the team’s feelings.
After a phenomenal performance in goal, including making two saves in the PKs, the emotion showed on Rick’s face. He shared, “It’s been a rough 48 hours for everyone at the club, and for me personally it was just ‘win for Holden’ and I think all of us on the field had the same goal. We all wanted to win for him, for his family. It’s been a tough 48 hours.”
Markus Anderson has been up with the first team, had memorable moments (good and not so good), has battled injuries, but has had a very strong run with Union II in the latter part of the season. He came out at halftime due to tendinitis bothering him, but the young forward has been showing promise. With regard to Trent, “We wanted to put on a show for him tonight and show him that we did this for him and that’s what we did tonight.”
CJ Olney recounted his game-winning PK, saying, “I’m not gonna lie, I was really scared, but when Rick saved the fifth pen, I was fully confident. Again, said another quick prayer right before, and picked my spot and buried it. It’s a great feeling, especially with Holden. I mean, it was an awesome thing to do for him. I was really happy that I got to be the one to step up in that moment and score that penalty for him.”
Honoring Holden
Prior to the match, a moment of silence was held in memory of Holden, and Union II posed with his #13 jersey. Condolences and tributes for Holden came pouring in on social media from not only current teammates, but former ones like Julian Carranza, Jose Martinez, and Joe Bendik. Carranza, after scoring a goal for Feyenoord on Sunday, lifted his jersey to reveal a shirt reading “RIP Holden” in a touching moment. Other MLS teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and the community also showed support. The tragic loss of this young man’s life was so much bigger than soccer. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday in his hometown of Greensboro, NC at his alma mater, High Point University. Those wishing to honor his memory can make donations- see links in the post below:
Next Up: Eastern Conference Final
Photo credits: Philadelphia Union II
Union II will host Columbus Crew 2 at Subaru Park on Saturday, November 2 at 6:00 PM. In their first meeting this season on June 2, U2 won 3-1 behind a Sal Olivas brace and CJ Olney goal. In an away match on July 28, Crew 2 prevailed 3-2. Back in Chester on August 26, the teams drew 1-1 and U2 took the extra point with a win in PKs. The team needs all the support they can get, so if you have not gotten on the U2 bandwagon yet, now is as good a time as ever. Tickets are inexpensive and the team is exciting. The winner of the match will face either North Texas FC or St. Louis City 2 on the road as both those teams finished the season with more points.
When I asked Coach Marlon LeBlanc last Friday in his press conference about what his message is to the fans who may not have decided to attend a U2 match yet, he talked of the exciting young team embodying that underdog mentality that Philly is known for. It still holds true heading in the Conference Final. Pack Subaru Park and be loud and proud for the boys in blue- there is still playoff soccer in Chester!
The One Team We Agree On 
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