In the penultimate weekend of the MLS NEXT regular season, Philadelphia Union Academy's U14s and U13s kept the momentum rolling with wins over Bethesda SC on Saturday afternoon.
The U13s controlled the contest from the opening whistle en route to a 2-1 win over the Maryland side. Matteo Zambrano and Nehan Hasan were the goalscorers for the Boys in Blue capping off chances that began with strong defensive pressure. The Union controlled the midfield throughout the match, utilizing good ball movement but just weren't able to produce insurance goals in the final third of the pitch.
The U14s on the other hand faced an opponent sitting in a defensive block once more but were able to solve the puzzle with a 3-0 win at home. After a frustrating first half it was dominance from the Boys in Blue who took control of the contest and racked up goals. Anisse Saidi opened the scoring early in the second half with Luca Mazzola and Neil Pierre rounding out the scoring for the Union side.
Meanwhile Philadelphia Union Academy's U12 took to the pitch for a friendly against an older Lower Merion side and emerged victorious via a 4-3 margin. The Union were able to manage possession against the older side and created some strong chances but were unable to finish against stronger bodies in the opening half. The second half saw the chances convert into goals with Aaron Wesseh netting a brace while Javi Linares and Charlie Rihn rounded out the scoring.
Both of the older sides will conclude the inaugural MLS NEXT regular season on Saturday, June 19th, with a showdown against rival New York Red Bulls. The U14s kick off the action at 2 p.m. ET with the U13s following up at 4 p.m. ET. Both matches will be played at YSC Academy and streamed on PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
