Philadelphia Union II has secured a place in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs after a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday night. This win marks the fourth consecutive postseason appearance for Union II, making them only the second team to qualify for the playoffs every year since MLS NEXT Pro began, alongside St. Louis CITY SC 2.
The match saw strong performances from several homegrown players. Cavan Sullivan, aged 15, provided two assists in the first half. In the 20th minute, he connected with Neil Pierre for a header that opened the scoring. Later, in the 38th minute, Sullivan set up Eddy Davis III for Union II’s second goal.
Head Coach Ryan Richter fielded a lineup featuring six MLS-signed players as Philadelphia sought to secure their playoff spot. Goalkeeper George Marks made his first start after signing earlier in the week. The starting backline included captain Nick Pariano at right back along with Neil Pierre, Rafael Uzcategui and Jordan Griffin. Midfield duties were handled by Kellan LeBlanc and Cavan Sullivan as playmakers with Oscar Benitez and Noah Probst centrally positioned. Markus Anderson joined Eddy Davis III up front.
Union II applied early pressure against Cincinnati, nearly scoring within the first 20 minutes before breaking through via Pierre’s header assisted by Sullivan. Additional chances came before halftime but were stopped by Cincinnati’s goalkeeper Nathan Crawford.
After halftime, FC Cincinnati 2 reduced the deficit when substitute Tega Ikoba scored following Peter Mangione’s shot off the post in the 54th minute. Union II responded with substitutions aimed at maintaining their lead and pressing high upfield.
Following this win, Malik Jakupovic, Kellan LeBlanc and Kaiden Moore will leave temporarily for call-ups with United States Youth National Teams during an international window before returning to league play on September 14 against Columbus Crew 2.
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