All the hard work this season paid off for Philadelphia Union's U15s the squad topped their group in GA qualifiers at MLSNEXT Fest. Striker Anisse Saidi scored in all three matches across the tournament.
Opening with a 3-0 demolition of Orlando City SC, the Union forced the Florida side to play far faster than they preferred. Saidi was joined on the scoresheet by Gavid DeHart and Peter Doran, with Gunnar Graham and Cavan Sullivan contributing strong performances as well.
The 15s the fought off Portland Timbers with a 1-0 win off a penalty kick from Saidi. In a less fluid match, the Union severely limited Portland going forward but failed to create the opportunities they love in transition. Graham and Sullivan again stood out, with Andrei Chirila and Jordan Griffin also stepping up. The win showed the Union are capable of winning in multiple ways against top opposition.
In the final match of the tournament, the U15s defense finally broke and Chicago Fire FC picked up the 3-1 win, though the Union remained on top of the group and even with Portland on points and goal differential. Saidi knocked home a fine headed goal off a looping cross but the Fire came out ahead in the end.
The 15s now take a well-earned break before kicking off their spring MLS NEXT campaign on February 11, 2023 against Springfield.
