TORONTO—The margins are often razor thin in soccer, and such was the case up in Ontario as Philadelphia Union II were shut out for the first time in 2026, falling to Toronto FC II 1-0—however, TFC II were the victor without even scoring a goal themselves. As both defenses were stingy and shots on target were few, the difference-maker ended up being an unfortunate own goal conceded by Philadelphia. It was an out-of-character gaffe of a usually stalwart defense. Despite out-shooting TFC II 13-6, Union II were unable to find the back of the net and suffered their second loss of the season.

The starting lineup was especially young for the match, with eight out of the starting 11 being teenagers, but it was still a squad that had racked up some experience this season at the Next Pro level and had plenty of talent. Having a Friday night match before the first team plays is certainly not ideal, though most of the usual squad members were there. The leading scorer of the squad, Malik Jakupovic, however, did not travel—presumably to be available for the first team on Saturday against DC United.

Making his first start after suffering a knee injury last September was goalkeeper Pierce Holbook. The back line was unchanged from the previous week with Jordan Griffin, Rafael Uzcátegui, Finn Sundstrom, and Giovanny Sequera. The midfield was also the same, with Matheus De Paula, Mamatou Berthé, Tyler Gladstone, and Kellan LeBlanc. The forwards were the big change, with John Ruf and Nehan Hasan getting the start.

TFC II’s Jahmarie Nolan wasted no time putting pressure on Union II with an attempt that hit the side netting in the first minute of play. Union II would then get their first real chance from LeBlanc, whose shot from the center of the box went over the goal. Union II saw several more shots blocked as the first half wore on, and seemed poised to find a breakthrough, but it was Toronto FC II forced a bit of their own luck.

Just after TFC II keeper Adisa De Rosario sent a long ball that crossed the field to the Union’s box and found Fletcher Bank, who crossed the ball in front of goal. As Holbrook stretched out to block it, Uzcátegui came in, attempting to clear the ball, but instead knocked it into his own net in the 35th minute. It was a rare mistake by the Union captain who has been such a presence in the defense.

It looked as though Union II caught a break in the 38th minute when Hasan went down in the box, and a penalty could possibly be awarded. The referee, however, said the contact was initiated outside the box, and despite the pleas of Uzcátegui, the ball was spotted just outside the box for a free kick. LeBlanc ultimately sailed the ball over the net. The half ended with TFC II leading 1-0.

Despite some second-half opportunities, Union II were unable to find the equalizer in what amounted to a very physical match. The Boys in Blue were shown five yellow cards during the course of the match (Sundstrom 34′, Berthé 48′, Griffin 53′, Benítez 69′, Ferreira 90+2′) to TFC II’s two. The first substitutions for Union II came in the 54th minute when Willyam Ferreira and Óscar Benítez replaced Gladstone and Berthé. Eddy Davis then made his first appearance of the season, coming in for Ruf in the 63rd minute.

Union II especially started to bring pressure in the last 15 minutes. LeBlanc had an excellent shot on target that De Rosario made a fantastic save on in the 75th minute. Theo Reed then replaced LeBlanc in the 77th minute. TFC II nearly doubled their lead when Elias Khodri beat the defense to go one on one with Holbrook, who made a huge save in the 80th minute. The frustrations continued when Sequera’s shot from distance was saved in the 83rd minute. TFC II would continue to hunker down on defense, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of the home squad.

It was a disappointing result for sure for Philadelphia, but they will look to bounce back as they will have another road match next weekend, traveling to CT United for the first time on Sunday, April 26.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.