Forward Stas Korzeniowski scored twice to lead Philadelphia Union II past FC Cincinnati 2 in their MLS NEXT Pro Playoff opener at Subaru Park on Sunday evening.
Korzeniowski opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading home a pass set up by Kellan LeBlanc. After the Ohio side leveled the game late in the first half, Philly retook the lead for good in the 64th minute as Korzeniowski scored off a centering pass from homegrown CJ Olney to give Head Coach Ryan Richter his first MLS NEXT Pro posteason victory.
With the win, Union II advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second-straight season and will learn their next opponent via the league's second Pick-Your Opponent draw that will take place early in the week. As the No. 2 seed in the East, Union II will host the match at Subaru Park with the next round of matches taking place October 24 – 26. The highest remaining seed in each conference will select and host an opponent from the two lowest seeded teams The two remaining Clubs will face each other, with the higher of the two seeds hosting.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
One day after the first team closed out its 2025 regular season, Head Coach Ryan Richter sent out a winning Union squad of his own with six signed first team players in the lineup. Goalkeeper George Marks started between the posts, protected by Giovanny Sequera, Rafael Uzcátegui, Neil Pierre and Jordan Griffin on the backline.
The midfield featued Kellan LeBlanc, Nick Pariano, CJ Olney, and Markus Anderson, while Sal Olivas and Stas Korzeniowski were paired up top.
5', Fast start for Union II | The homeside came onto the pitch full of energy and had the visitors pinned into their own defensive box for the first five minutes. Union II's speed on the flanks gave the Ohio side issues early with LeBlanc and Anderson getting space out wide but unable to connect with teammates for a shot on goal.
10', Stas keeps on scoring | The Boys in Blue's domination paid dividends in the 10th minute with Stas Korzeniowski scoring his fifth goal in six matches. After Giovanny Sequera was fouled, LeBlanc delivered a perfectly placed volley into the area where the towering 6'4" forward headed it into the back of the net for his first posteason goal.
30', Union II push for more | The Boys in Blue nearly doubled their lead with back-to-back good looks as Neil Pierre saw a headed chance saved by FC Cincinnati 2's Paul Walters while Sequera cut inside for a quick shot that ended up off the mark.
37', Cincinnati goal | After absorbing attack after attack, the visitors made the most of the opportunity to get forward just before the break. Peter Mangione flicked a cross that Andrés Dávila Mosquera headed into the net for a 1-1 scoreline.
40', Stas nearly answers back | Philly's young side didn't hang their heads or look to just get to the locker room after seeing the Ohio side knot the match at 1-1. They went again with a direct forward pass that sent the goalscoring Korzeniowski in on goal. Lifting his head to pick out a spot, he blasted a curler that just missed the far post.
47', Early chances for Philly | Union II came out of the break again on the front foot and earned three straight corner kicks inside the first few minutes of the second half. LeBlanc and CJ Olney provided the service with Neil Pierre slamming a headed effort on goal required a last ditch save by the keeper.
53', LeBlanc's laser saved | With the crowd at Subaru Park giving Union II even more energy, LeBlanc delivered a blast that seemed destined for the back of the net from outside the box however once again it was saved late by the Cincinnati goalkeeper.
61', Union II make their first change | Looking for an impact off the bench, Head Coach Ryan Richter turned to Oscar Benitez as his first sub in place of Sal Olivas. The change saw Markus Anderson paired up with Korzeniowski atop the formation while CJ Olney moved into a more attacking role as a No. 10.
62', Post denies Union II | Benitez needed little time to impact the match as he intercepted a pass at the top of the box and quickly shot it forward for a one timer from Markus Anderson that beat the keeper but rang off the post and stayed in play. Korzeniowski quickly redirected the shot but saw it glance wide.
64', Union II retake the lead! | The Boys in Blue regained the lead with less than a half hour remaining going direct with a pass out wide to CJ Olney unlocking the Cincinnati defense. Wide open on the left flank, he raced into the box and sliced a centering pass to Korzeniowski who slide it underneath the keeper for a 2-1 lead.
80', Two more changes for Union II | With 10 minutes left, Head Coach Ryan Richter brought on two of his youngest professional options with 16-year-olds Willyam Ferreira and Malik Jakupovic taking the field in place of Kellan LeBlanc and Markus Anderson.
