The first-ever US Development Academy Winter Cup is underway in Florida and Philadelphia Union's U17 and U19 squads are once again showing the academy's quality.
Heading into the weekend, Kevin Coleman's U19 team was yet to give up a goal and put six past its two opponents.
Bethlehem Steel regular Axel Picazo opened the scoring against Miami Rush Kendall SC before Union signee Jack de Vries and Steel's youngest-ever starter Patrick Bohui finished things off in the second half.
Bohui got on the board again against Shattuck-St. Mary's on Thursday, scoring one minute after former Shattuck player Danny Flores opened his Winter Cup account. Cole Turner, another Union signee, closed things out in the 85th minute to send the 19s to the top of the table as the only club in Group D with a positive goal differential.
The U17s had a mountain to climb in their first match against Vardar. Efosa Emovon sucker punched the Union with a fourth minute goal, and then after Sean Bettenhausen pulled one back for Philly, Vardar struck twice in two minutes to open the second half. Unfazed, Philly answered with two in two minutes just after the hour mark, with Paxten Aaronson and Anthony Ramirez evening things up. In the 73rd minute, Ramirez completed the epic comeback as Ryan Richter's side won 4-3.
The 17s are back in action today as they face FC Golden State at 2:00pm ET to determine who will top the group heading into the weekend. The Union U19s return to action on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. ET against San Jose Earthquakes, then the 17s finish their group stage action on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET against FC Dallas on a match that is likely to be streamed on US Soccer's YouTube page and PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
