After a scoreless 90 virtual minutes, Philadelphia Union II advanced to the next round of the USL eCup: FIFA20 Edition with a golden goal winner from Zach Zandi to defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 1-0.
Suiting up with the Spanish National Team, Zandi didn't stick with the club's iconic tiki-taka style switching to what he knows best: pressing and counter attacks. After a few minutes of settling into the esports competition, Zandi turned up the pressure and limited chances from Colorado's Paraguay side. The match was nearly won at the death with a shot from Rodrigo but the Spaniard's left-footed shot from 20 yards out rang off the post.
In the tournament's first match to go to golden goal, Zandi's defense was tested first but a corner kick stop sparked the winning attack as left back Jordi Alba raced up the wing and cutting the ball centrally to Marco Ascenio. The beautiful game came to life as Ascenio and Isco combined for a give-a-go that resulted in Isco wide open in front of net and striking a right-footed shot past the keeper and into the next round.
Zandi won't have much time to celebrate the victory, as he'll return to action Wednesday night against rival New York Red Bulls II. It'll be Spain vs. Chile for a spot in the quarterfinals.
