Philadelphia Union II continues its pursuit for the top spot in the East as they take their eight-match to rivals New York City FC II for a battle on Saturday afternoon. Don't miss the action starting at 4PM on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV!
Union II comes into the contest fresh off of claiming its fourth MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Matchweek honor of 2025 courtesey of a resounding 4-0 performance at Crown Legacy FC. Homegrown Eddy Davis III found the back of the net in the second minute, capping off a run that was set up by defender Isaiah LeFlore for the flying start for the road team. It was a case of deja vu for Crown Legacy as they had another own goal hit the back of the net just like in their previous showdown with the Philly squad, this time right before the halftime whistle. After Crown Legacy saw a player sent off with a second yellow card, Union II kept up the intensity with captain Nick Pariano notching his third goal of the season while 16-year-old forward Malik Jakupovic kept his scoring streak alive with a goal in his fourth-straight appearance.
Jakupovic and Academy amateur had extra match time this week, with the duo going from the contest in North Carolina straight to Texas for the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Jakupovic earned the start atop of the Eastern Conference's starting XI and played the first half while Johnson took to the pitch and drew a penalty kick via a handball to set up the game winning finish with his right from the spot.
Saturday's match will once again see Union II playing on the same day as the first team but thus far the Boys in Blue are unbeaten in two previous double-headers for the organization. With roster flexibility always front of mind for Head Coach Ryan Richter, the results haven't changed with the club having had seven different players score at least three goals.
The contest is the second of three regular-season clashes between the two sides with Union II going to Belson Stadium in April and bringing home a 4-1 win. Sal Olivas notched his second goal of the season in the first half, using his pace to chase down a pass from Cavan Sullivan for the opening strike. After the New York City FC II saw a defender sent off late in first half stoppage, Union II racked up three goals in the final 45 minutes with Stas Korzeniowski scoring for the second-straight contest along with captain Nick Pariano. Moments after New York City FC II found the back of the net, substitute Giovanny Sequera responded quickly for his first professional goal.
Sitting in eighth place in the East, NYCFC II has amassed 25 points with the majority of them coming in front of their home supporters. The side is 5-2-2 but are looking to rebound after a physical 4-2 Hudson River Derby loss versus New York Red Bulls II. NYCFC II conceded first but battled back with goals from Uriel Zeitz and Eligio Guarino to take a 2-1 lead but quickly saw it evaporate with back-to-back goals in quick succession for the Eastern Conference leading Red Bulls II.
