After the offense led the way last weekend, Philadelphia Union Academy’s defense was on full display was all four teams earned shutouts against FC Delco in MLS NEXT action.
The U13s picked up the largest victory of the weekend with Head Coach Jason Lages’s group winning by a 5-0 score line on Sunday morning. Playing a very physical opponent, it took some time to find space in the middle of the pitch but once the squad opened the scoring, they took full control of the contest. Gunnar Graham and James Soler followed up last weekend’s hat tricks with another goal each to push their 2020 tallies to four goals to begin the season.
Union Academy’s U15 side saw improvement in its defense and buildup during the club’s 2-0 victory according to Head Ryan Richter. Alex Perez and Henry Bernstein each found the back of the net but Richter commented following the match there could have been many more goals and it will be an area of focus ahead of their next match.
One year younger, the U14s matched the same score line with Head Coach Kevin Coleman pointing out the club’s strong defense that resulted in just one scoring chance for FC Delco. Neil Pierre was strong on both sides of the ball and scored off a set piece while Stefan Chilira converted from the penalty spot to ice the game away by a 2-0 margin.
Union Academy’s U17 side opened their MLS NEXT campaign with a 2-0 winning result of their own with strong defense. Caden Grabfelder opened the scoring with a goal and Marcello Mazzola rounded the scoring with a second-half PK.
