Philadelphia Union II secured a 3-1 victory over Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, marking their third win against the Ohio side in the 2025 season. The match took place on the road and completed a regular season sweep of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Champions.
Stas Korzeniowski opened the scoring for Union II with his fourth goal of the season. Three minutes later, Markus Anderson added another goal after receiving a volley from Nick Pariano. Columbus Crew 2 managed to score late in the game, ending Union II’s hopes for a clean sheet, but Academy amateur Jamir Johnson restored Philadelphia’s two-goal lead during stoppage time with an assist from Willyam Ferreira.
Head Coach Ryan Richter made several changes to his lineup following an international break that saw three players away with U.S. National Teams. Mike Sheridan started as goalkeeper behind a restructured defense including Oscar Benitez and Rafael Uzcátegui at center back, Giovanny Sequera at right back, and Academy amateur Jordan Griffin on the left. CJ Olney returned from loan to join team captain Nick Pariano in midfield.
Union II maintained pressure throughout the first half with multiple attempts on goal, including efforts by Korzeniowski and Davis III. Defensive plays by Uzcátegui and Benitez helped keep Columbus at bay until late in the match.
Substitutions highlighted Philadelphia’s focus on youth development, bringing in 16-year-olds Malik Jakupovic and Willyam Ferreira just after the hour mark, followed by Jamir Johnson making his eleventh appearance of the season.
Chase Adams scored for Columbus Crew 2 near full time, but Johnson responded quickly for Union II with his second goal against Crew this year.
Philadelphia Union II will return home to Subaru Park for an Eastern Conference matchup against Chicago Fire II on September 21st as they aim to secure a top postseason seed.
