Facing a team hungry to secure its place in the USL Cup Playoffs, Philadelphia Union II was unable to overcome a few defensive mistakes as it fell to Hartford Athletic, 3-0, at Subaru Park Sunday evening.
The setback for the Boys in Blue officially eliminates the squad from playoff contention as the three points secured Hartford Athletic to a top-two finish in Group F.
Union II came out of the gates looking to build off the club’s second win of 2020 but saw a timely volley over the club’s high back line open the scoring as Ever Guzman found Alex Dixon for his first of two goals. Five minutes later the deficit doubled for the squad as a turnover just outside the 18-yard-box saw Guzman find space but a challenge from Jamoi Topey saw the ball bounce past the keeper and into the net for an own goal.
Down a pair of goals, Union II settled into the match and produced countless scoring opportunities with Paxten Aaronson’s attempt from distance go wide of the Hartford net. Moments later Axel Picazo created a chance that looked destined for goal but slid wide of the post.
Hartford Athletic completed the scoring right before the hour mark as Dixon netted his second of the night as he chased down a ball inside the Union II penalty area after come confusion by the defense.
Union II looks to rebound from the setback with a rematch against Harford on Wednesday evening for the third matchup of the 2020 USL Championship season. Kick off from Dillon Stadium is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
