Philadelphia Union II lost 3-2 to Carolina Core FC on Wednesday evening at Truist Point in High Point, North Carolina. Markus Anderson gave Union II an early lead with a goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Kellan LeBlanc. Carolina Core responded with a penalty kick converted by Glory Nzingo in the 22nd minute and a go-ahead goal from Josuha Rodriguez three minutes later.
Sal Olivas brought Union II level again with a penalty kick in the 37th minute. In the second half, Nzingo scored his second goal of the match from another penalty kick in the 51st minute, which proved decisive.
The match saw several cautions issued: Msunguchi Alenga (33’), Daniel Chica (45+1’), and Josuha Rodriguez (46’) for Carolina Core; Rafael Uzcategui (71’) and Giovanny Sequera (90+2’) for Philadelphia Union II; and Ibrahim Covi (78’) for Carolina Core.
Union II’s lineup included Andrew Rick in goal, defenders Jordan Griffin, Rafael Uzcategui, Neil Pierre, and Giovanny Sequera; midfielders Nick Pariano and Oscar Benitez; forwards Markus Anderson, Kellan LeBlanc, Sal Olivas, and Malik Jakupovic. Substitutes used were Jamir Johnson, Eddy Davis III, Willyam Ferreira, Leandro Soria, and Stas Korzeniowski. Mike Sheridan was available but did not play.
For Carolina Core FC II, Alex Sutton started as goalkeeper with Paul Leonardi, Kai Thomas, Daniel Chica, Ibrahim Covi making up part of the defense. The midfield featured Jathan Juarez and Jacob Evans while Msunguchi Alenga supported attackers Facundo Canete, Glory Nzingo, and Josuha Rodriguez. Substitutes included Zion Scarlett and Aryeh Miller among others.
The match marked Malik Jakupovic’s first MLS NEXT Pro start for Union II. Kellan LeBlanc reached his tenth start of the season along with his third assist. Both Markus Anderson and Sal Olivas scored their fourth goals of this MLS NEXT Pro campaign. This was also only the second meeting between Philadelphia Union II and Carolina Core FC.
Philadelphia Union II will return home to Subaru Park to face FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday August 3 at 6:00 p.m., with coverage available on Apple TV.
“Forward Malik Jakupovic recorded his first MLS NEXT Pro start.
Midfielder Kellan LeBlanc gained his tenth start and third assist in MLS NEXT Pro play this season.
Forward Markus Anderson and Forward Sal Olivas secured their fourth goals in MLS NEXT Pro play this season.
Tonight’s match served as the second time the Union have faced Caroline Core FC.”
