A pair of first half goals proved the difference as Philadelphia Union II fell to rivals New York Red Bulls II by a 2-0 margin on Monday night.
Red Bulls forward Mijahir Jimenez led the way for the homeside scoring a brace in the showdown between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. After a strong start by Union II that saw its high-pressing system rewarded with three corner kicks in the first five minutes, the hosts stole momentum as Jimenez stole possession from the back and quickly deposited it into the back of the net.
The first half continued with a playoff like intensity as four yellow cards were issued in the opening half but the Boys in Blue were denied just before the break when Eddy Davis III saw his headed effort saved by Red Bull II's Aiden Jarvis. The momentum swung to the other end of the pitch as Jimenez struck again, putting home a cross from Rafael Mosquera right before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Union II try to claw back into the contest with Noah Probst earning his Union II debut as a second half in place of Oscar Benitez who had picked up a first half yellow. Just past the hour mark, Academy products Malik Jakupovic and Willyam Ferreira joined the contest and helped bolster the Philly attack that had back-to-back scoring chances denied in the 71st.
Despite the setback, Philadelphia Union II still has a game in hand on its rivals and will look to retake the top spot in the East on Friday when they wrap up their August road trip with a Windy City showdown against fourth-placed Chicago Fire FC II. Kick off from SeatGeek Stadium is set for 8PM ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
