Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II is set to commence a two-game road trip with an inaugural match against Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night. The game will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, starting at 6:30 PM ET.

Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc's team is currently positioned second in the Eastern Conference standings, having accumulated 43 points this season. They trail FC Cincinnati 2, which leads with 45 points. A win on Wednesday would enable Union II to reclaim the top spot. The competition in the Eastern Conference remains intense, with only five points separating the top six teams and nine teams within seven points of first place.

Union II recently secured a penalty shootout victory over Columbus Crew 2. Cavan Sullivan scored his third goal of the MLS NEXT Pro debut season with a long-range strike in the 29th minute. Columbus equalized just past the hour mark. Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Andrew Rick allowed only one goal during penalties, while Columbus Crew 2’s keeper Stas Lapkes conceded two. Sullivan scored the decisive final shot, ensuring an extra point for Union II.

Wednesday's match will be Union II's first encounter with Carolina Core FC, a new MLS NEXT Pro side based in High Point, North Carolina. CCFC is four points behind the playoff line but has recently won four consecutive home games. They have defeated top Eastern Conference teams such as Cincinnati, New York City, and Crown Legacy. Facundo Canete, Jacob Evans, and David Polanco have been key contributors for CCFC with a combined total of 21 goals and 12 assists. Their continued performance will be crucial if CCFC aims to enter the top eight by October 7.