The third place Eastern Conference Philadelphia Union II hosted New England Revolution II on Thursday night at Subaru Park. Despite the weather delay, both teams pressed on in the match that stretched to a long shootout. After seven penalty kick attempts, Union II earned the extra point, extending their unbeaten streak to four.
New England opened up the scoring in the 26th minute through forward Marcos Dias. A weather delay in the half briefly paused action, Union II came back to the pitch hungry to get on the board.
However, New England struck again in the 55th minute, as midfielder Javaun Mussenden extended their lead to 2-0. In the 61st minute, midfielder Cavan Sullivan saw an opening to tally the team's first goal. Defender Rafael Uzcategui scored the equalizer in the 67th minute to send the match into a post-regulation shootout. After seven tense attempts, Union II goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook came up with the decisive save, clinching the extra point and keeping the team’s unbeaten run alive.
The Philadelphia Union II will continue their homestead on Monday, June 30th against Orlando City B. Kickoff takes place at 3 p.m. ET with coverage found on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
Midfielder Cavan Sullivan returned to the second team for the first time in a month and scored his third goal of the season.
Defender Rafael Uzcategui scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal, bringing the team to a 2-2 draw and forcing a post-game shootout.
26’, New England strikes first | After a strong start from both teams, it was New England Revolution II that opened up the scoring, putting up the first goal of the match in the 27th minute.
55’, New England strikes again | Coming into the second half, New England maintained the lead after scoring again in the 55th minute.
61’, Sullivan cuts the lead in half | Fresh out of halftime, midfielder Cavan Sullivan put the Union II on the board with a goal assisted by Giovanny Sequera, keeping the team’s hopes alive.
68’ Uzcátegui scores the equalizer | Union II equalized with a goal by defender Rafael Uzcátegui.
Shootout victory | After a well-fought match and crucial save from goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook, Union II secured the extra point at home.
