Playing down a man for the final half hour, Philadelphia Union II battled until the end but a late goal saw CT United FC grab a 2-1 result at Subaru Park on Sunday afternoon.
Facing a lineup that on average was three years older per player, Union II put its unbeaten start to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro on the line in a cold and windy contest on the banks of the Delaware River. Like has been the case for much of the season, Union II found itself ahead of the break with a first half goal from Malik Jakupovic. Unlike the first two games, the visitors were able to find the back of the net with CT United FC becoming the first team to score on the Union II defense via a Laurie Goddard finish in the 57th minute.
Shortly after the match was leveled at 1-1, Union II found itself down to 10 men when Oscar Benitez was sent off for a second yellow card infraction.
If Union II wins, best start in club history.
Union II hits the road for the first time in 2026 with a short trip north to take on rivals Red Bull New York II. The contest next Sunday will be the first meeting between the two sides since they met at the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final which saw Red Bull claim a 2-1 win. Kick off from the MSU Soccer Park is set for 5PM with coverage MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Head Coach Ryan Richter started a different lineup for the third straight match to open the season, with Sunday's group seeing the first MLS NEXT Pro start of the season for Giovanny Sequera. Goalkeeper George Marks remained in net after back-to-back shutouts to open the season with the front line comprised of Sequara, Oliver Pratt, Finn Sundstrom and team captain Rafael Uzcategui. The midfielder remained unchanged for the third straight match with Oscar Benitez and Academy amateur Timo Mendoza making up the defensive roles while Kellan LeBlanc and Willyam Ferreira were the tasked with creating the attack. The duo sought to combine with the front line of Malik Jakupovic and first team homegrown Sal Olivas.
7', Big saves by Marks | The visitors from Connecticut sought a quick start in Chester but were kept off the scoresheet in the opening minutes by goalkeeper George Marks. Cauã Paixão sprung free for a 1on1 breakaway but the Union shot stopper make the reaction save to set up a CT United FC corner. On the ensuing play, a cross into the box saw a smashing header from Laurie Goddard but again Marks was perfectly positioned to make the stop at the goal line.
16', Pair of yellow cards to Union II | Union II saw a pair of defensive pieces into the referee's book early with Oscar Benitez and Oliver Pratt shown cautions in the 15th and 16th minutes respectively.
18', Offside denies a goal | Directly off the free kick that was rewarded after the Pratt caution, CT United FC turned to a nifty play off the training ground that saw a tap in for Michael Boamah but the assistant referee was quick to raise his flag for offside.
26', Goal line clearance | CT United FC's momentum for a goal continued to the half hour mark with a corner kick nearly finding the back of the net. A second header Goddard went to the post but Jakupovic stuck to his spot to head it off the line.
29', Jakupovic blocked | Union II were able to generate a quick counter attack just before the 30th minute with a quick sequece of passes setting up a shot from Jakupovic. The forward got the ball to his left for a one-timer but saw his effort blocked
42', Union II break through | Right before the break the Boys in Blue broke through with a wonderful team effort resulting in a goal. Starting off a resumption of play from Marks, seven different players would play a role in the goal sequence with Pratt unlocking the play near the center stripe with a threaded ball down the left side for LeBlanc. As CT United's defense raced back, LeBlanc cut a center passing for Jakupovic at the top of the box who froze the defense before ripping a left-footed shot into the back of the net.
57', CT United goal | With the second half seeing the game playing end to end at times, CT United FC became the first team to score on the Union II defense as Goddard finished off a cross from Robbie Mora.
60', Union II go down a man | As allowing the equalizer, Union II was forced to play the remaining half hour with only 10 after Benitez was shown a second yellow card and sent off for a tackle as CT United FC launched a counter.
64', Union II substitutions | With only 10 men on the pitch, Head Coach Ryan Richter adjusted his lineup with three changes in the 64th minute. Academy amateurs Lennon Harrington, Matheus De Paula and Nehan Hasan took to the pitch in place of Sundstrom, Ferreira, Jakupovic.
70', Union II substitution | As CT United FC continued to pepper the Union II defense in the second half, Union II sent in a defensive help with Kaiden Moore entering in place of Mendoza. The move pushed Harrington into the midfield while Moore teamed up with Uzcategui on the back line.
74', Marks makes another big save | A turnover at the back of the Philly defense presented the away side its best opportunity to claim all three points as Barnabás Tanyi raced solo on goal. Marks raced off his line and put up a glove as the second-half substitute tried to chip the Union II keeper.
78', Union II's final change | Union II's fifth and final substitution of the contest saw a change atop the lineup with Academy amateur John Ruf replacing Sal Olivas. The forward nearly had an instant impact as he found himself open in the box for a headed chance but was deemed offside.
86', CT United goal | The additional attacker eventually paid off for the away side with a long pass over the defense setting up a one time finish from Barnabás Tanyi.
