Philadelphia Union II’s nine-game unbeaten streak ended Wednesday night after a 3-2 loss to Carolina Core FC in High Point, North Carolina. The match featured five goals and three penalty kicks, with the home team securing the winning goal early in the second half.
Markus Anderson scored first for Union II, finishing a cross from Kellan LeBlanc. Carolina Core FC responded quickly with two goals in three minutes, taking a 2-1 lead. Sal Olivas equalized for Union II before halftime by converting a penalty kick. In the 51st minute, Glory Nzingo scored his second penalty of the night for Carolina, which proved to be the decisive goal.
The defeat marks the end of Union II’s perfect road record and their unbeaten run that began in early June.
Union II will return to Subaru Park on Sunday, August 3rd to face FC Cincinnati 2 at 6 p.m. ET. Tickets are available online.
Head Coach Ryan Richter started Malik Jakupovic for his first MLS NEXT Pro appearance alongside Sal Olivas, who recently played with the first team and contributed an insurance goal against Colorado Rapids. Andrew Rick returned as goalkeeper behind a backline featuring Academy amateur Jordan Griffin, Neil Pierre, Rafael Uzcátegui, and Giovanny Sequera. The midfield remained unchanged with Oscar Benitez and captain Nick Pariano as defensive midfielders; Markus Anderson and Kellan LeBlanc led attacking duties in a 4-2-2-2 formation.
Anderson opened scoring in the 11th minute after receiving a curling cross from LeBlanc. Carolina tied it up at the 22nd minute when Glory Nzingo converted a penalty following contact between Uzcátegui and Jacob Evans. Three minutes later, Josuha Rodriguez finished Facundo Canete’s cross to give Carolina a 2-1 lead.
Union II created several chances before halftime but were unable to convert until Anderson earned a penalty after tangling with Daniel Chica; Olivas scored from the spot in the 37th minute.
Early in the second half, Nzingo was awarded another penalty and converted it for his second goal of the match. Coach Richter made several substitutions throughout the remainder of play as Union II pushed for an equalizer. Notable efforts included shots by Sal Olivas and Neil Pierre—Pierre’s header was stopped by Carolina goalkeeper Alex Sutton seven minutes from time.
