CHESTER, Pa.— Coming off a difficult match with New England Revolution II that saw them playing down a man for two-thirds of the match but displaying significant grit, Union II return to action on Sunday looking to get back in the win column. The squad put in a valiant effort defending in the 1-0 loss to the Revs, only conceding at the very end, but the young squad is hungry for a win at home as that has not happened since their 4-1 win over Carolina Core over a month ago.

Union II’s defense has been a major highlight this season, conceding the second-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (9), complemented by strong performances in goal. Pierce Holbrook, who has excelled since returning from injury, recorded a career-high seven saves on Wednesday. Anchored by team captain and center back Rafael Uzcátegui, the squad has been exceptionally resolute defensively, although they have yet to display a consistent offensive surge in matches, with the exception of their game against Core.

Getting the strikers going, much like the first team, is going to be crucial. Stas Korzeniowski and Malik Jakupovic have combined for seven of Union II’s 11 goals. Korzeniowski leads with four goals in his three appearances, but was with the first team Wednesday in Orlando where he recorded his first MLS assist. Jakupovic has netted three goals in seven appearances, and also has spent time with the first team. With both teams home this weekend and Eddy Davis (injured) and Sal Olivas (red card suspension) unavailable, it would be surprising to not have one or both of Korzeniowski and Jakupovic in the squad on Sunday, and their firepower could be critical. It may also be a chance for others like the Academy’s John Ruf or Theo Reed to step in.

In addition to Davis being injured, Union II could also be without midfielder Willyam Ferreira, who exited the match on Wednesday early in quite a bit of pain, having to be taken on the cart. They have strong options like Tyler Gladstone and Nehan Hasan, but it would still be a blow to be missing Ferreira, who has been proving himself as a regular starter this season.

One very bright spot from Wednesday was the performance of center back Andrew Craig. Getting his first start with Union II, he battled fiercely for the 90 minutes, making fantastic sliding tackles and clearances as he has done for the U-18s this season as well. Whether he gets another start remains to be seen, but it would certainly be deserved if he does. He—along with several other Academy players—will soon depart for the MLS Next Cup in Salt Lake City, so getting in some quality minutes could be beneficial.

Despite the loss, Andrew Craig was impressive in his first start for Union II last night vs New England Revolution II, and was a big reason they did not concede until the end.

I asked Ryan Richter his thoughts, and he had high praise. #DOOP #MLSNextPro pic.twitter.com/vdOgS7Ud4E

— Jillian All-$$ (@Silly__Jilly) May 14, 2026

Currently sitting in the middle of the table at eighth, Union II are not far out of it in terms of points, and are only three points behind Columbus Crew 2, who are in fourth. Crew 2 have conceded more goals (17) and have not been great on the road. Most recently, they fell 2-1 to FC Cincinnati 2 in the “Heck is Plausible” match up, and before that, defeated bottom-dwelling Inter Miami CF II.

While last season it was a clash in styles between Union II and Crew 2, with Philadelphia prevailing in all three of the 2025 matches and scoring three goals in each of them, it is a new season with new dynamics. It could be a great chance for Union II to bounce back and move up in the standings. They will face off with Crew 2 at Kinetic Field at the WSFS Bank Sportplex on Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 PM. If you are unable to make it out in person, catch the match streaming at mlsnextpro.com and OneFootball.

Main article photo: Matheus De Paula. Courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.