After a week off, Union II return to action on Friday, March 28 as they travel to northern Alabama for a tilt against Huntsville City FC. With it being a Friday night match, and the first team playing at Inter Miami on Saturday, it makes for a trickier situation with the squad.

Chester – After two matches, Union II have recorded two draws, one of which they won in penalty kicks to secure an extra point at the Next Pro level. Following a bye week during the international window, the squad aims to maintain momentum after that thrilling shootout victory at Subaru Park on St. Patrick’s Day.

Building off the performance against Red Bulls II

Ahead of the match with Huntsville City FC, head coach Ryan Richter spoke with the media. When asked about the coaching staff’s thoughts on the match after reviewing the film and stats, he was very positive:

“I think it was overall a really improved performance from our first game. I thought the organization of the team was a lot clearer. Guys with the same attitude that they approached the first game, with the aggression and trying to attack high. But the organization and the responsibility in their roles within that was much improved in the second game. Again, some changes at the end… overall when we reviewed it, we were pretty happy with what it looked like from a structure standpoint. Just turning some of our successful defensive actions into better chance creation.”

Looking at Huntsville City

As the squad hits the road to take on Nashville SC’s second team, Richter talked about the difference in playing styles between them and their opponent. He noted that it is a different style of play than they are used to, very possession-based, and a lot of build up: “It will be a good test for us to see if our style is the right way to go, and I believe fully that it is.”

Who will be in the twenty?

After being shown a red card for a DOGSO against Red Bulls II, defender Gavin Wetzel will be out. Additionally, with the first team game on Saturday, it makes who will play for Union II a little more complicated. Richter noted that it was not ideal for the first team to be playing after the second team. Typically, if a player has few or no minutes with the first team and they are more of a two-way player between the teams, they may get time with Union II. Cavan Sullivan is a good example, as he sometimes comes off the bench for the first team, but then often will start for the second team. Who will be in goal is also a big question as Andre Blake got a little banged up with Jamaica, though in his pre-match presser ahead of Inter Miami, Coach Bradley Carnell said he should be good to go. Even so, one would think Andrew Rick may at least be on the bench. Union II could choose to go with Mike Sheridan or Oliver Semmle if they decide to save Rick for the first team.

With players being back from the international window as well as Olwethu Makhanya having served his red card suspension, the first team should be all but intact. More will go into the decisions for the twenty, such as the amount of rest players got after returning. Richter has depth to work from, however, and there could be opportunities for other guys to step up, which he discussed: “We have guys who will maybe get an opportunity that they wouldn’t have otherwise, and I’m excited for them.”

Defender Rafael Uzcátegui, Union II’s newest signing

Richter is eager for Union II’s new defender to make his debut. He was not eligible for the game against Red Bulls II, but could feature against Huntsville City. The 20-year-old Venezuelan was most recently in Colombia at Boyacá Chicó FC, and has 14 total caps at the national level with Venezuela in U-20 and U-23. Not only does he bring skill and physicality, but Richter touted Rafael’s leadership. “I’m really excited to see him play in a game. His leadership, the way he trains, his instincts and reading of the game as a defender- outstanding. Just the way he approaches every day… he’s driven. As a player, he’s high quality too.”

The One Team We Agree On’s Kyle Almoney was able to speak with Rafael at training this week and get his thoughts on his new team.

“It has been easy for me because the guys, the coaches treat me really nice since I came here. I’m so happy with the way they train and the way they support me.” He noted that it was helpful having a fellow countryman in Giovanny Sequera, but his other teammates have also been helpful with helping him acclimate.

On Richter, Rafael was very complimentary. “I think he is really good because he really pushes us. Every training is like a game, like a competition and I like that.”

When asked about how he plays the game, “Every game, every minute I’m on the pitch, I try to give my hundred percent. Every moment, every play. I think my best quality is giving everything I have on the pitch for me and for my team, and for my teammates.”

International window notes

Union II had representation at US Men’s Youth National Team camps during the international window as Kellan LeBlanc was called to the US Men’s U-17 squad, and Neil Pierre to the U-18s where he was coached by former Union II coach Marlon LeBlanc. Frankie Westfield, who has only featured with the first team so far, was called to the U-20s. Additionally, Union II goalkeeping coach Ross Cain coached with the Puerto Rican national team. In his weekly press conference, Ryan Richter discussed all of them and the honor of those call ups. On Neil, Kellan, and Frankie, Richter noted:

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them, and for the club, and for their family… any time they get a chance to represent the national team, whatever level that may be. They deserve it. Neil with Coach Marlon LeBlanc… so it was good to be with an old friend. Kellan started both games- did really well in both games against Costa Rica. Frankie- we’re following along closely as well. Great for him to get called into the U-20 squad. Proud of all three of those guys and when they go they represent the club well and represent themselves well.

On Ross Cain, Richter stated:

“Great opportunity for him, and to put on his resume and expand his profile a little bit. He’ll definitely bring the experience back of international coaching back into the Union II group. Cool for him, happy that he got that opportunity.”

More Union II content this week

We had goalkeeper and Folsom, PA native Mike Sheridan on our podcast. Find it wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.

Union II play Huntsville City FC at Wicks Family Field on Friday, March 28 at 8:00 PM, and will air on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.