With strong defense and a timely finish, Philadelphia Union II remained unbeaten to start its 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign as they knocked off FC Cincinnati 2 by a 1-0 margin.
For the second straight weekend it was a first half strike that proved to be the difference as first team center back Finn Sundstrom notched his first goal as a member of the Union. The 19-year-old defender broke through in the 37th minute, smashing home a header off a Willyam Ferreira corner kick.
Union II wraps up their three-game homestand to kick off the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season next weekend as they host newcomers CT United FC. The first ever meeting between the two sides will take place at Subaru Park with kick off set for 3PM ET on Sunday, March 15th. Tickets for the contest can be purchased online by clicking here.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Head Coach Ryan Richter made only two changes to the starting lineup from last week's season opening win against Toronto FC II, giving the first starts of 2026 to Finn Sundstrom and Sal Olivas. George Marks returned between the sticks off his first shutout with Union II behind a backline that featured Sundstrom, Union II captain Rafael Uzcategui, Jordan Griffin and Oliver Pratt. The midfield remained unchanged with Oscar Benitez and Isaiah Mendoza as defensive midfielders while Kellan LeBlanc and Willyam Ferreira occupied attacking roles. The front line saw Olivas paired with last week's goalscorer Malik Jakupovic as they sought to battle a FC Cincinnati 2 lineup that saw Matt Miazga in the lineup for the Ohio side.
3', Yellow card to Cincinnati | Union II sought a quick start and their first attack earned the game's first caution as Nathan Gray took down Olivas 35 yards from goal.
4', Off the bar | The ensuing free kick was almost in the back of the net as Ferreira served up cross that connected on a floating header for Uzcategui but the effort crashed off the cross bar.
6', Early save for Marks | FC Cincinnati II's first shot of the afternoon came shortly as Ademar Chavez has a go from the edge of the box but it was right to Marks at the post for his first save.
8', Another yellow to Cincinnati | The referee was quick to his pocket again with Matt Miazga into the book with a yellow card before 10 minutes had been played for fouling Olivas.
25', Ferreira goes for goal | After LeBlanc earned a free kick chance for Union II, Ferreira went for the highlight play as he blasted a curler from 20 yards out that snuck over the bar.
37', Union II break through | Philly's set piece prowess paid off before the break as Finn Sundstrom smashed a header into the back of the net off a corner kick from Ferreira.
45+', Another Cincinnati yellow | The Ohio side earned their third caution of the first half just before the break with Ayoub Lajhar getting disciplined for his challenge on Pratt.
46', Fast start for Union II | Philly came out of the locker room looking to extend its lead off the opening whistle. A slicing pass out wide got Griffin into the box on the left side but a block from Cincinnati 2 saw the ball bounce to LeBlanc who ripped a laser over the bar.
55', Union II sub | Richter was forced into an early change in the second half with Jordan Griffin unable to continue after a play near the Cincinnati 2 goal. Defender Kaiden Moore entered in his place, assuming the left back role for the remainder of the match.
69', Two more changes | After a key defensive block in the box by Sundstrom, Union II brought on two more fresh players sending in Academy amateurs Matteus De Paula and Nehan Hasan in place of Mendoza and Ferreira.
80', Union push for a second | With only 10 minutes remaining, Union II looked to secure the home victory with an insurance goal with Olivas seeing an effort blocked inside the six before the ball fell to Jakupovic but he had too much weight on the shot as it soared into the River End.
81', Final Union II change | Philly's final change of the match saw Academy amateur John Ruf enter in place of LeBlanc with Olivas shifting into the midfield.
83', Jakupovic saved | With a new attacking partner beside him, Jakupovic got another attempt to make it 2-0 late in the contest but Cincinnati's goalkeeper Bryan Dowd make the reaction save.
