Philadelphia Union II secured a 4-1 win over Carolina Core FC at Subaru Park on April 12, powered by two goals from Stas Korzeniowski and a strong first-half performance.
The result is significant for the team as it continues to develop players and compete in MLS NEXT Pro, contributing to the broader mission of fostering talent within the Philadelphia Union organization. The main team features professional players and participates in Major League Soccer, according to the official website.
Carolina Core FC opened scoring early in the match, but Malik Jakupovic equalized for Union II with a goal in the 20th minute. Korzeniowski then scored twice within five minutes to give Philadelphia a comfortable lead before halftime. Captain Rafael Uzcátegui added another goal just past the hour mark following a corner kick from Tyler Gladstone, who earned his first assist in MLS NEXT Pro action. The visiting side managed one late goal but could not close the gap further.
Head coach Ryan Richter’s lineup included four first-team players, with homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick making his season debut at this level. The defensive line consisted of Jordan Griffin, Finn Sundstrom, Uzcátegui, and Giovanny Sequera. Academy amateurs Tyler Gladstone and Matheus De Paula joined Mamoutou Berthé and Kellan LeBlanc in midfield. Jakupovic and Korzeniowski started up front after successful seasons with both Union II and first-team signings.
Philadelphia Union operates as a professional soccer team representing its city at an elite level while supporting youth programs and community engagement initiatives according to the official website. The club plays its matches at Subaru Park on Chester’s waterfront site, which includes training facilities and practice fields according to the official website.
The organization has previously achieved notable success by winning Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield for best regular-season performance in 2020 according to the official website. It provides competitive entertainment through professional matches with ticketing options for supporters according to the official website.
Union II will next face Toronto FC II on Friday night in Canada at 7:30 p.m., continuing their schedule within MLS NEXT Pro.
