For the third time in 2025 Philadelphia Union II claimed all three points against Columbus Crew 2, earning a 3-1 road win on Sunday afternoon.
The Boys in Blue completed the regular season sweep of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Champions with clinical first-half finishes from Stas Korzeniowski and Markus Anderson. Philly got off to another flying start with Korzeniowski netting his fourth goal of the season which was followed up three minutes later as Anderson scored from a tight angle after a volley from Nick Pariano. After Columbus scored late to snap Union II's push for clean sheet, Academy amateur Jamir Johnson re-established the two-goal lead in stoppage time off a cross from Willyam Ferreira.
Philadelphia Union II returns to Subaru Park for a big Eastern Conference clash as they look to secure a top seed in the postseason when they host Chicago Fire II on Sunday, September 21st. Kick off is set for 3PM ET with tickets for the match on sale here.
How The Match Unfolded
After seeing three players away with the U.S. National Teams during the FIFA International break, Head Coach Ryan Richter made five changes to the group that clinched their spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs at FC Cincinnati 2. Goalkeeper Mike Sheridan earned his third start of the 2025 season and was behind a reshuffled backline that saw Oscar Benitez paired up with Rafael Uzcátegui while Giovanny Sequera returned to right back duties opposite Academy amateur Jordan Griffin. CJ Olney returned to the squad after being recalled by the first team from his loan with Lexington SC and was paired alongside team captain Nick Pariano on the holding midfielder spots while Markus Anderson and Kellan LeBlanc occupied the No. 10 roles. Up top the pairing saw Eddy Davis III and Stas Korzeniowski leading the charge.
11', Union II open the scoring | After absorbing pressure from the home side, Philly turned to their direct philsophy and immediately grabbed the lead as Korzeniowski found space in the box and delivered his fourth goal of the season.
14', Make it two for Union II | Three minutes later the Boys in Blue doubled their advantage as Pariano volleyed the defense to send Markus Anderson in on goal from a dangerous postition. Taking it off the bounce, he headed it forward and then slipped a left-footed shot over the slidiing keeper to make it two goals on two shots for Union II.
19', Union II push for more | The tempo picked up after the back-to-back goals with Crew 2 nearly getting back into the match only to be denied by a goal line block from Uzcátegui. Philly went right back down on the ensueing possession with Davis III nearly making it three but his effort was saved by the keeper's reflexes.
35', Philly rings the post | Union II's big forward continued to cause problems for Columbus as Korzeniowski smashed home a header set up by Griffin only for the keeper to make a diving stop. The rebound fell right back to the Union II striker who ripped a one timer but saw it crash off the near post.
58', Big blocks from Benitez | Columbus came out of the locker room looking to battle back into the match and nearly cut Philly's lead in half if not for strong plays from Oscar Benitez. The center back made back to back blocks inside the six to prevent scoring chances to leave Crew 2's offense frustrated.
65', Youth movement | The first two changes of the match for Richter showcased the club's belief in its youngest stars as 16-year-olds Malik Jakupovic and Willyam Ferreira took to the pitch just after the hour mark. The duo replaced their Academy classmates Davis III and LeBlanc.
69', Another change for Union II | Four minutes after making their first substitutions of the contest, Union II were forced into another as captain Nick Pariano was unable to continue and made way for Leandro Soria.
72', Union II with another block | Columbus continued to own the majority of the possession in the second half, testing the Boys in Blue and one of the youngest on the pitch maintained the shutout as Jordan Griffin was perfectly positioned to clear away a scoring chance from Anthony Alaouieh.
77', Union II's final change | Philly's final substitution was again focused on youth with Academy amateur Jamir Johnson earning his 11th appearance of the MLS NEXT Pro season, coming on for Markus Anderson.
89', Columbus avoids the shutout | Philadelphia Union II's push for a ninth clean sheet of the season came up just short as Chase Adams snuck through the defense to make it a 2-1 scoreline on the Ohio side's 12th shot of the second half.
90+', Union II get a third | Union II didn't sit back and just before the final whistle got their two-goal lead back as Ferreria served in a cross to Johnson who took possession and spun before sneaking a shot inside the post for his second goal against the Crew this season.
