Philadelphia Union II ended their August road trip with a 2-0 defeat against Chicago Fire FC II on Friday night. The match featured the top offense in the Eastern Conference facing off against the league’s best defense. Despite Union II creating several scoring opportunities, Chicago’s goalkeeper David Molenda made seven saves to keep his team in front.
Union II will return to Subaru Park for their next game against Toronto FC II on Wednesday, August 20th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase online.
Head Coach Ryan Richter traveled with a limited squad of 16 players, giving first starts to midfielders Willyam Ferreira, aged 16, and Noah Probst. Goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook led a backline that included Jordan Griffin, Isaiah LeFlore, Rafael Uzcátegui, and Giovanny Sequera. Markus Anderson and Nick Pariano played in midfield while Sal Olivas and Stas Korzeniowski started up front.
In the early stages of the match, Union II generated multiple chances. At the 17-minute mark, Markus Anderson set up Willyam Ferreira for a shot that was saved by Molenda. Sal Olivas attempted to capitalize on the rebound but was blocked by Chicago’s defense. Two minutes later, Giovanny Sequera created another opportunity with a pass to Korzeniowski that was intercepted by Molenda.
By the 27th minute, Jordan Griffin tested Chicago’s keeper again after receiving a pass from Olivas but saw his shot saved. Near halftime, Nick Pariano forced another save from Molenda with a free kick from outside the box.
Chicago came out stronger in the second half but were denied an early goal by Holbrook’s quick reactions. With about 20 minutes left in regulation time, Union II substituted Eddy Davis III and Malik Jakupovic into the attack. Shortly after entering play, Davis III set up Anderson for a promising chance that was again stopped by Molenda.
The home side broke through in the 80th minute when David Tchétchao Karo scored his first professional goal off a rebound inside the post. Four minutes later, Leandro Soria nearly equalized for Union II but was denied by Molenda’s seventh save of the night.
Chicago sealed their win in the 86th minute as Claudio Cassano scored on his own rebound after Holbrook had initially made a save.
Union II will look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming match at home.
