Philadelphia Union II walked away not only with promotion but this week Division C championship thanks to a 2-0 victory over Orange County SC on Friday night.
FIFAdelphia Series II championship Timothy Hatfield was on the sticks for the third time this week and once again made the most of the Spanish National Team with timely passing and defensive effort to collect his second clean sheet of the tournament.
"It feels great," Hatfield told PhiladelphiaUnion.com following the win. "I’m really just happy and honored to be given the opportunity to represent the Union this week!"
Facing off against Orange County's Cameroonian side, it was Spanish midfielder Rodrigo putting Union II ahead in the 14th minute with a left-footed strike to make it 1-0.
"The first goal was huge but after playing so many FIFA matches I know that a 1-0 lead is never safe," Hatfield said.
The lead was almost gone as Orange County nearly equalized 11 minutes later. However a keen eye from Hatfield and the reflexes from goalkeeper David de Gea kept the Spain lead ahead.
The west coast side made some tactical changes late in the first half changing to a all-out pressing team to take away Union II's quick passing and build up but it wasn't enough as Spain generated a scoring chance that was just off the mark in the 66th minute.
Orange County's final effort at an equalizer came in the 83rd minute but ultimately went wide and left the door open for Hatfield's defense to net an insurance goal. After having a shot turned away just before added time, Spain turned up the forward pressing and forced a turnover at midfield and launched a counter attack that Rodrigo capped off for the 2-0 win.
"The high pressing really changed my rhythm in the game," Hatfield remarked. "Luckily it opened up the middle of the field to get the second goal."
The USL eCup: FIFA20 edition continues next week with USL players back on the sticks. Promoted up to Division B, Union II midfielder Zach Zandi will look to continue the positive momentum.
