Philadelphia Union II booked its fourth-straight trip to the postseason on Sunday night, completing the season sweep of FC Cincinnati 2.
It was the Union's homegrowns putting on a show in the first half to secure Union II's trip to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs as Cavan Sullivan picked up two assists to set the tone for the Boys in Blue. In the 20th minute the 15-year-old connected with Neil Pierre in the box for a smashing header and then set up his second goal in the 38th minute with slicing pass to Eddy Davis III.
With the win, Union II is just the second team to make the postseason in all four years of MLS NEXT Pro history with St. Louis CITY SC 2 having already secured their Western Conference spot.
Philadelphia Union II sees the trio of Malik Jakupovic, Kellan LeBlanc, and Kaiden Moore depart for call-ups with the United States Youth National Teams during the international window before returning to league play on September 14th at Columbus Crew 2.
How The Match Unfolded
Needing a win to secure a trip to the postseason, Head Coach Ryan Richter turned to an experienced but youthful lineup with six MLS signed players in the Starting XI. Goalkeeper George Marks earned his first start for Philly after signing with the club on Tuesday. He played behind a backline that saw team captain Nick Pariano return to right back while the rest of the line was comprised by Neil Pierre, Rafael Uzcategui and Jordan Griffin. Philly's midfield saw Kellan LeBlanc and Cavan Sullivan as playmakers while Oscar Benitez and Noah Probst sat centerally. The front line was led by by a pair of first teamers with Markus Anderson alongside Eddy Davis III.
18', Union put Cincinnati under pressure | Philly's high press and eagerness to win every ball were on display from the opening whistle, keeping the home side pinned on their side of the pitch for the first 20 minutes. With multiple free kick chances, Union II nearly bagged the opener when Sullivan won a second ball after his free kick was blocked and shot it inside to LeBlanc. The midfielder ripped a centering pass to Anderson but a last second block kept the game scoreless.
20', Homegrowns combine for the opener | After a cross into the box forced the keeper to punch it away, Philly made the most of their next opportunity as Anderson regained possession and shot it out wide to Sullivan. With numbers commited into the box, the homegrown floated it up to Neil Pierre for a smashing header that put Union II ahead.
32', Union denied the double | Seeking another on the scoresheet before the break, Philly had back-to-back chances with Davis III dribbling to his left before unleashing a rocket that forced a punch away by the keeper. Union II regained possession and again saw space at the top of the box, this time it was Noah Probst taking the attempt but again met with the same result.
35', Counter attack comes up short | After Cincinnati registered its first shot on target, Philly went direct again with Sullivan splitting the back line with a slight touch to send LeBlanc in on goal but the sliding attempt again was saved by Cincinnati's Nathan Crawford.
38', Davis doubles the lead | Philly's attack broke through a few minutes later with Sullivan collecting his second assist of the half with a slick move on the right side before hitting a centering pass for Eddy Davis III to score his fifth goal of 2025.
54', Cincinnati get on the board | During the halftime break FC Cincinnati 2 turned its bench sending in Tega Ikoba before the half resumed. The change proved a big one as he trimmed Union II's lead to 2-1 as he reacted first to tap home Peter Mangione's shot that rang off the post and stayed in play.
64', Union II makes a pair of changes | With a one-goal lead, Head Coach Ryan Richter turned to some fresh legs to re-energize the front high press sending on Stas Korzeniowski and Sal Olivas in place of LeBlanc and Davis. With the change, Markus Anderson shifted out wide as an attacking midfielder.
72', Another swap for the Boys in Blue | Union II made another swap shortly after making their first with Giovanny Sequera in place of Noah Probst.
