Philadelphia Union II saw its unbeaten run come to an end, falling by a 1-0 scoreline to Inter Miami CF II on Sunday afternoon.
How The Match Unfolded
Playing in the midst of the first team’s congested schedule meant Head Coach Ryan Richter’s side was eager to impress despite low numbers. With a pair of defenders injured, three Academy prospects started against Inter Miami CF II with Jordan Griffin, Gavin Wetzel and Henry Bernstein in the lineup. The trio were joined by six members of the first team with goalkeeper Oliver Semmle behind team captain Nick Pariano who continued to start at right back. David Vazquez was in the middle of the pitch with the front three led by homegrowns Eddy Davis III, Sal Olivas and Markus Anderson.
Philly had six field players available as substitutes with homegrown midfielders Cavan Sullivan and CJ Olney dressing for Sunday's match while Union II professionals Oscar Benitez, Giovanny Sequera and Leandro Soria were joined by Academy prospect Jamir Johnson.
30', Union II start strong | The last unbeaten team in MLS NEXT Pro came out of the gates strong, dominating the offensive chances in the first 20 minutes. The Boys in Blue saw strong half chances with Sal Olivas and Markus Anderson finding space for headed shot that would end up wide of the Inter Miami CF II net. Despite the missed chances, the young Union II side didn't hang their heads but instead turned up the defensive pressure to create more.
36', Miami goal | Not having many chances to get into the offensive third of Subaru Park, the visiting side made the most of their first half scoring chance with a timely run from Daniel Pinter. The forward chased down a forward volley from the center stripe from Santiago Morales to be in on goal and snuck it past a charging Semmle off his line.
46', Halftime changes | Trailing by a goal, Head Coach Ryan Richter used the break to make a trio of changes sending in Cavan Sullivan, CJ Olney and Oscar Benitez to spark a second half comeback. The group replaced Bernstein, LeBlanc and Davis III and saw even more positions changes as a result with Anderson moving to his natural position alongside Olivas and Pariano into the midfield.
73', More changes for Union II | Philly continued to battle for an equalizer and sent even more offensively minded reinforcements for the final quarter hour as Giovanny Sequera took up position in the midfielder as Griffin was replaced while Jamir Johnson went up top in place of Anderson.
76', Philly denied by the post | The Boys in Blue had a prime opportunity to tie things up on the scoreboard with a trio of corner kicks. The third proved the most fruitful with Rafael Uzcategui seeing a far post header crash off the post and stay out. The ball flew back into the box where Cavan Sullivan attempt the bicycle attempt but the effort was cleared away front of the Florida goal line.
80', Miami down to 10 | With 10 minutes left in the match, substitute Cristian Ortiz was shown a straight red card for a sliding tackle on Union II captain Nick Pariano.
87', Post denies the Bioys in Blue again | With a man advantage, the Boys in Blue committed numbers into the attack with a long range shot being blocked in the box by a handball. The referee was right in position to quickly point to the spot. However the post continued to haunt Union II with Pariano's blast ringing the post and staying out.
Philadelphia Union II returns to action with a road clash against FC Cincinnati 2 on Tuesday, June 3rd. Kick off from North Kentucky University Soccer Stadium is set for 7PM with coverage on MLSNEXTPro.com.
