Philly Leader

Leandro Soria scored his first professional brace, and goalkeeper Mike Sheridan set a new career high for saves as Philadelphia Union II secured a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire II on Saturday afternoon.

Soria scored in both halves to lead the Union II offense to a comeback victory, snapping a three-game losing streak. The 19-year-old timed his runs perfectly, with a flicked finish off a David Vazquez cross just before the break giving the home side momentum after Chicago opened the scoring. Soria then added a second goal by heading home a cross from homegrown player Cavan Sullivan, who made an impressive run up the right flank. Vazquez added a stoppage-time goal to put Union II ahead by two, which proved crucial as Chicago trimmed the lead just before the final whistle.

Goalkeeper Mike Sheridan played a significant role in securing the three points for Union II in front of their largest crowd of the 2024 campaign. He made seven saves, including three point-blank stops, to help Philly collect the win.

Playing for their teammate and captain Kyle Tucker and his family after the sudden loss of his father, Union II were determined to deliver a strong performance at Subaru Park. Five minutes into the contest, Leandro Soria had two half-chances as he sought to open up the scoring. Just after the 10th minute, CJ Olney looped a volley into the box that sent Soria in on goal, but he failed to control it properly.

With Union II pressing for an early goal, Chicago relied on counter-attacks but struggled with offside calls. A patient build-up led to Omari Glasgow receiving a cross at the back post; however, his shot sailed over Union II's frame. In the 25th minute, Glasgow was sent through on goal again but was denied by Sheridan's reaction save.

Buoyed by this defensive play, Union II went back on attack during their next possession. Homegrown player Cavan Sullivan gained possession at the edge of the box and attempted to score but was thwarted by another save.

The action continued around half an hour into play with Christian Koffi getting two chances for Chicago Fire II. In one instance, he missed narrowly; in another attempt two minutes later, he was frustrated by another reaction save from Sheridan. Peter Soudan tried breaking through with set-piece offense but was also denied until finally converting in the 38th minute after timing his run perfectly from midfield.

Union II quickly responded three minutes later when David Vazquez sent in a cross that Soria finished off despite collisions between defenders and keeper inside six-yard box area resulting ball trickling across line tying game up again

Coming out strong second half looking carry momentum forward Philly nearly scored within first five minutes free kick opportunity taken US U-20s Concacaf Championships participant David Vazquez hit wall forcing stoppage play

Five minutes later amazing run right flank created space sending cross doorstep where once again perfectly placed header sailed past keeper securing brace

Chicago attempted quick response yet again finding space behind defense only be stopped point blank range penalty spot Sheridan

Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc opted substitutions Randy Meneses replacing Gavin Wetzel moving Jamir Berdecio right back shortly followed Nick Pariano substituting Cavin Sullivan pushing forward seeking insurance goal direct pass edge box laid off Olney blast inches over net

Eight minutes stoppage time saw both teams scoring period ultimately sealing victory Boys Blue assist Academy substitute Diego Rocio ensuring final scoreline

Union II will face Toronto FC II next weekend north border scheduled kickoff Saturday August 18th match broadcast free MLSNEXTPro.com