For the second straight season Philadlephia Union II battled its way to the Eastern Conference Final, knocking off Huntsville City FC, 1-0.
Saturday's Eastern Conference Semifinal lived up the billing of two of the top defensive teams in the league with neither side unable to break through in the first half. Union II stuck to its high press philosophy and direct attacks to earn the game's only goal with Korzeniowski once again delivering in the clutch. After earning a penalty kick, the striker showcased his in-form skills with a smooth finish to make it back-to-back postseason games with a goal.
With the win, Union II advance to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final for the second-consecutive year. The Boys in Blue will face off against the winner of Sunday's other semifinal which pits No. 1 seed New York Red Bulls II against Chicago Fire II. The results of that match will have knock on effects for the Boys in Blue as they'd play the Conference Final at Subaru Park should Chicago win while a Red Bulls II victory would see Union II head to north New Jersey.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Despite the first team opening off their postseason run the next day, Head Coach Ryan Richter fielded six members from the Supporters' Shield side with a seventh available as a substitute. Homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick returned between the sticks for the Boys in Blue behind a backline that saw team captain Nick Pariano shift to left back while the pairing of Neil Pierre, Rafael Uzcategui and Giovanny Sequera returned. Oscar Benitez assumed Pariano's defensive midfield spot alongside CJ Olney while the No. 10 roles were taken by Markus Anderson and Willyam Ferreira. Up top, Eddy Davis III returned to the lineup paired up alongside Stas Korzeniowski.
10', Physical start | The opening minutes of the Eastern Conference Semifinal was filled with playoff intensity with the two teams combining for seven fouls and two yellow cards, both to the visiting side at key defensive positions.
16', Pierre chance | The first scoring chance under the Subaru Park lights came off a set piece as CJ Olney floated in a free kick that connected with MLS NEXT Pro Defender of the Year, Neil Pierre. The homegrown met the ball at its highest point but redirected it over the crossbar.
25', Post | After picking up a pair of yellow cards of their own to even out the discipline, the youngest player on the pitch nearly broke open the scoring. Willyam Ferreira provided the scoring opportunity, seeing his shot from the left side scream past everyone but crash off the bar.
38', Goal denied | A strength of Philly teams the past few seasons has been set piece magic and the Boys in Blue thought they had gotten another just before the halftime break. CJ Olney connected with Pierre once more with the headed chance bouncing into the ground and in but the referee whistled for a foul in the build up.
Halftime | The top two defensive teams in MLS NEXT Pro lived up the billing as the scoreline remained scoreless after the first 45 minutes. Philly led the way in scoring chances with four while also keeping the Alabama side without a shot attempted.
58', Union II sub | Head Coach Ryan Richter's first change of the match saw midfielder Noah Probst enter for Ferreira. The change had ripples in the midfield with Olney sliding forward as a No. 10 while Probst backffilled him as a defensive midfielder alongside Benitez.
60', Another Union II sub | Union II were forced into another change shortly after making their first one with Eddy Davis III unable to continue after taking a knock. Fellow homegrown forward Sal Olivas quickly raced into the match to pair with Korzeniowski, seeking to bring the chemistry they had at the opening whistle of last week's playoff opener.
67', Penalty to Union II | Philly's direct attack led the goal's only goal with a through ball sending Korzeniowski in on goal. Huntsville City FC goalkeeper Xavier Valdez came off his line and collided with the striker which saw an immediate point to the spot. Markus Anderson handed the ball to the striker who was clinical from the spot to make it back-to-back playoff games with a goal.
82', Pressure builds | Trailing by a goal, Huntsville City FC were forced to turn on their counter press which played into Union II's advantage with 1 on 1 attacking options. As the visitors pushed numbers forward, Union II nearly sealed the game with a sprinting run by Olivas but the homegrown's shot was blocked inside the six.
85', Final Union II change | With just over five minutes left in regulation, Union II's final change brought on fresh legs with the club's other-leading scorer taking to the pitch. It was a like for like swap as Malik Jakupovic took to the pitch for Korzeniowski to lead the front line with speed.
Stoppage Time | Philly's top defense rose to the occasion as they took on wave after wave from the Alabama side including defending three corner kick chances but the youthful side outplayed their age to secure a trip back to the Eastern Conference Final.
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