DALLAS, Texas— The Philadelphia Union U-18 squad continued their strong group play on Day 2 of the Dallas Cup tournament as they bested Brazilian side São Paulo FC 2-0 on Monday.
There were a couple changes to the lineup from the previous day, including Jett Harrison and Timo Mendoza getting the start. Alex Smith, who had a clean sheet the previous day, including saving a penalty kick, was in goal once again.
São Paulo was especially physical, which got them in hot water in the first half as two of their players received red cards in the first half. The match was largely controlled by the Union, with keeper Alex Smith not having too much work to do in net, earning another clean sheet on the day.
In the second half, São Paulo went on a run toward goal, but the ball was defended away, leading Andrew Craig to obtain possession of the ball. In his own half of the field, just outside the center circle, Craig booted the ball on goal. The long-range shot went over the reach of the SPFC keeper and into the net to make it 1-0 Union.
The Union then doubled their lead late in the second half when they were awarded a penalty kick. John Ruf stepped up to the spot and converted to make it 2-0, which would be the final score.
The final match of the group stage will be on Wednesday, April 1 versus fellow MLS academy side St. Louis CITY at 4:00 PM CDT (5:00 PM ET). The Union and St. Louis are both undefeated, however the Union sit atop the table by virtue of their goal differential.
Main article photo courtesy of Hmsk Content.
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