Philadelphia Union II secured a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday night at NKU Soccer Stadium, ensuring their place in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs for the fourth year in a row. The win makes Union II the only Eastern Conference club to have qualified for the playoffs every season since the league began. They join St. Louis CITY 2 as the only teams to reach the postseason each of the past four years.
The match saw Homegrown defender Neil Pierre score in the 20th minute, assisted by Cavan Sullivan, putting Union II ahead early. Forward Eddy Davis III extended the lead in the 38th minute with his fifth goal of the season, also assisted by Sullivan. FC Cincinnati 2 responded in the second half with a goal from Tega Ikoba in the 54th minute, but Union II held on for the win.
Goalkeeper George Marks made his debut for Union II and recorded four saves during the match. The defensive effort included cautions issued to Stas Korzeniowski, Markus Anderson, and Marks himself late in the game.
Union II’s lineup featured several substitutions throughout the match, with Malik Jakupovic and Willyam Ferreira coming on late to help secure the result. The team will next travel to Historic Crew Stadium to face Columbus Crew 2 on September 14.
According to league records, Union II’s consistent playoff appearances set them apart among Eastern Conference clubs (https://www.mlsnextpro.com/news/mls-next-pro-playoff-format-and-clinching-scenarios-for-2024).
“Union II are the only Eastern Conference club in MLS NEXT Pro History to make the playoffs in every year of the league’s existence. Union II join St. Louis CITY 2 as the only clubs in league history to make it in each of the past four seasons.”
“Homegrown defender Neil Pierre earned his second goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season.”
“Goalkeeper George Marks made his Union II debut.”
“Homegrown forward Eddy Davis III scored his fifth goal of the season.”
The officiating crew for Sunday’s match included referee Drew Klemp and assistants Kevin Huet and Race Williams.
