Philadelphia Union II overcame an early goal to claim all three points against Atlanta United 2 on Saturday afternoon at Kinetic Field at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
In the first half, Atlanta opened the scoring in the fifth minute when forward Arif Kovac found the back of the net off an assist from Mohamed Cisset to give the visitors an early lead. The Union looked to respond quickly with pressure in back-to-back corner kicks in the seventh and eighth minute. Atlanta maintained attacking pressure throughout the first half, but goalkeeper George Marks made several key saves, while Oliver Pratt and Óscar Benítez also helped to break up Atlanta’s scoring chances. Union II responded with increased pressure as the first half progressed, but could not find the equalizer before the first half ended.
Union II started the second half with immediate intent and found the equalizer just three minutes into the half, as Academy midfielder Matheus De Paula scored his first professional goal to make it 1-1. De Paula’s initial header was saved by Atlanta’s goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom, but after the ball deflected off Ransom’s body, De Paula reacted quickly to finish from close range in the back right corner of the net. Philadelphia continued to build momentum, with midfielders Giovanny Sequera and Mamoutou Berthé creating chances for Union II. The breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute when Academy forward Theo Reed scored the game-winning-goal to secure the win at home. Reed received a well-placed pass from Academy defender Jordan Griffin, with a secondary assist by midfielder Willyam Ferreira. In stoppage time, Atlanta searched for an equalizer, but Marks delivered crucial saves, totaling six throughout the match, and Union II remained disciplined to claim all three points.
Philadelphia Union II will travel to north of the border next week to face Toronto FC II at York Lions Stadium on Friday, May 29th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on OneFootball.
