The Union U17s fell to New York Red Bulls 3-2 with set pieces proving the differentiator in a closely-fought contest. The U17s started the game strong, going up 2-0 thanks to goals from Diego Rocio and CJ Olney. Early in the second half, NYRB finished off a free kick and a penalty to level the game. The home side found the back of the net late to give them a 3-2 victory. The squad looks ahead now to a showdown with Sporting Kansas City on December 2nd in their first game of MLS NEXT Winterfest.
The Union U15s also dropped their match at Red Bull by one goal in a back-and-forth 1-0 loss. The U15s struggled to match their hosts' physicality early in the game which led to problems possessing the ball. The substitutes that came on throughout the game raised the intensity level and in the final 15 minutes, the squad was in control, creating chances on the counterattack, but unable to find the finish they needed to take points home.
Players Development Academy (PDA) traveled to YSC to face the Union U12s in a cold Saturday night contest. The Union's young team wouldn't let the conditions affect their mentality going into this match, with Cody Sands scoring in the first minute. Zak Oladunmoye added two more and Jeremy Wesseh finished off the scoring as the U12s won 4-0 in a scrappy match. Moving the ball with speed proved the best way to break down a tough, organized PDA side on the wintry evening.
As the cold weather sets in, the academy squads take a break for Thanksgiving weekend before the older age groups travel to MLS NEXT Fest and the younger groups head up the turnpike to match up with NYCFC.
