Philadelphia Union’s academy teams have spent the month of March on the road. That extended time away from YSC Academy finished up last Saturday with trips to DC United and Richmond United. Let’s review how the academy squads did and look ahead to their first home match of the spring campaign.
The Union Under-13s drew 0-0 against DC United before putting in a strong attacking show against Richmond, continuing to build on a season of development as they adjust to the club’s uptempo style of play. Meanwhile, the U14s got a pair of braces and focused on controlling the match once they had the lead on Saturday at DC then continued a solid weekend by owning space on the pitch against Richmond on Sunday.
The U15s jumped out to an early lead in their showdown with DC United. Million Evans and Quinn Sullivan got on the scoresheet as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming GA Cup finals in Dallas. Sullivan ended the weekend with four goals after putting two past Richmond on Sunday as well.
The weekend of braces continued at the U17 level with Aboubacar Camara getting in on the act. Unfortunately, the U17s gave up a hat trick to DC United as they sought to marry attacking transitions to a compact defensive structure. Bethlehem Steel’s Selmir Miscic earned some minutes with the 17s as he remains an option for the squad’s trip to the GA Cup. Miscic got the opener against Richmond on Sunday and Camara followed that up with a hat trick in the win.
Last, the U19s fell 1-0 to a second half DC United goal with a number of players that spent time with Bethlehem Steel this season and preseason getting time on the pitch. Recent birthday boy Jack de Vries put in a first half shift, and both midfielder Cole Turner and goalkeeper Tomas Romero went the full 90. Fullback Nathan Harriel put in 80 minutes in back in a strong defensive effort.
Another set of players that have seen time with Steel in different capacities stepped up against Richmond. Michael Pellegrino stuck home a 72nd minute goal to even the match at one before Richmond re-took the lead. Nicholas Blacklock and Tonny Temple struck in the dying moments to hand Philly a huge come-from-behind win.
Next up for the Union is academy affiliate FC DELCO at YSC this Saturday. Matches begin at 10:00 a.m. when the U13s take the pitch and conclude with the U17s at 6:00 p.m. After facing off with FC DELCO, the Union are back on the road on April 6 when they travel to the Red Bull training facility to meet rivals New York Red Bulls. When these clubs met at Talen Energy Stadium last year, the Union were out in front in most matches, and Brenden Aaronson put in a standout performance for the U19s.
For more information on the Union academy continue checking PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
