Chester – Union II will look to get back to their winning ways on Sunday at Subaru Park as they host FC Cincinnati 2. They are coming off a loss at Carolina Core on Wednesday where they suffered their first road defeat of the season, and only their second overall.

One thing Union II has shown this season is resilience and the ability to learn from their mistakes. After their lackluster 1-0 loss to Inter Miami II at the end of May, the squad went on to have an undefeated June, and almost got through July as well in their nine-game unbeaten streak. Despite their efforts, Union II could not finish their chances in a very physical match. While some may argue there were some suspect calls on the field in the match at Carolina Core, two things can be true.

With ten games to go in the regular season, Union II sit in second in the East at 9-2-7 and 39 points- three behind New York Red Bulls II- but with two games in hand. They are also third overall in MLS Next Pro as St. Louis CITY2 lead with 43 points. Still boasting the best goal differential and fewest goals conceded in the league, as well as having a deep squad who can score a lot of goals (third overall in goals scored), they have the tools in their toolbox. Like the first team, they do not rely on one or two stars to carry them, and the goals have come from numerous places. It is a whole team effort, with 16 different goal scorers this season. It is huge knowing that really anyone in their lineup can step up, and a real threat to their opponents.

They will need the team to be clicking the rest of the way, and can get back on track as they return home to face 11th place FC Cincinnati 2 (4-7-7) for the second time. In their last meeting exactly two months ago on June 3, Union II was victorious 4-1, with goals from Eddy Davis, Markus Anderson, Giovanny Sequera, and Malik Jakupovic (in his professional debut).

That match had immediately followed their only loss of the season at that time, and was a great response to return to the win column. Sometimes you need to be humbled a bit and learn what your weaknesses are to get stronger in the long run. Knowing the dedication to their athletes’ development and discipline, this writer expects that the Union II coaching staff, led by Ryan Richter, have the squad well prepared for the match, and that they will be hungry to win.

While several Union II players got minutes Saturday night in the first team’s friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt at home, most likely all of them should be available as the minutes were more limited. Eddy Davis, Sal Olivas, and Neil Pierre saw the most minutes, coming on in the 66th minute. Isaiah LeFlore, who missed the Carolina Core match due to a red card suspension, subbed on in the 79th minute. Markus Anderson was the only unused substitute. He has been an asset to Union II this season, as he was in 2024.

As far as goal keeper, it is anyone’s guess as they have used four this season, but with Rick and Semmle both getting minutes in the friendly, Pierce Holbrook could get the nod, or perhaps Mike Sheridan (whose only appearance this season was, coincidentally, against FC Cincinnati 2). Additionally, Noah Probst, the midfielder recently loaned to Union II, has yet to make his debut with the squad. If his paperwork has been sorted out, he could finally get a chance to show what he can offer.

FC Cincinnati certainly will be an opponent to not take lightly as that squad is battling for a playoff position. They are coming off a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II, have been very good in penalty shootouts, and have not lost a match since their defeat by Union II. Can Union II start a new streak for themselves today while ending their opponent’s? Find out as they kick off tonight at 6:00 PM at Subaru Park, and if you are unable to catch them in person, tune in to MLS Season Pass on AppleTV.

Main article photo credit: FC Cincinnati 2