The Union academy kicked off its spring season with Henry Apaloo’s U15 side snagging a 1-0 win over Springfield in MLSNext play at YSC on Saturday.
Cavan Sullivan was the difference-maker with the lone goal of the match, and both Sullivan and Massimo Morabito stood out all day. Neither side was able to take control of the match for long spells, and instead a scrappy back-and-forth affair developed as both teams looked for something special to give them an edge.
Apaloo’s substitutions helped his team show their quality, and with better finishing in the final third the Union could have looked more in control. They are back in action next weekend against Real Jersey.
The Union U17s also face off against Real Jersey next weekend, and their final tune up before returning to MLSNext play saw them lock horns with Union SC in a 120 minute friendly match. After two 40-minute periods, the Union were up 1-0 but they poured it on in the third period to walk away 4-0 victors. Union SC put up a good fight though, and it’s clear that the defending MLS Next Cup champs have plenty of little things to clean up as they seek to defend their title.
Along with the 15s and 17s, Philly’s U14s and U13s also take on Real Jersey on February 18 as the full academy wades into a challenging spring season.
