Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II secured a 2-0 victory over Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night, reclaiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Homegrown players Nick Pariano and CJ Onley scored in each half to ensure the win.

Pariano netted his first professional goal in the third minute from the penalty spot after Markus Anderson was fouled inside the box. Defensive efforts by Olwethu Makhanya and Gavin Wetzel prevented Carolina Core FC from extending their winning streak to five games. In the 77th minute, David Vazquez and CJ Olney combined to seal three points for Union II, bringing their total to 46 points, one more than FC Cincinnati 2 with four games remaining in the regular season.

Marlon LeBlanc’s squad featured seven players signed to first-team contracts, including goalkeeper Oliver Semmle, who played his first game since July. With center back Neil Pierre away with the U.S. U-18s, Olwethu Makhanya and Academy prospect Gavin Wetzel anchored the defense while Jamir Berdecio and Frankie Westfield provided width. The midfield consisted entirely of homegrown players: Nick Pariano at the base of a diamond formation with David Vazquez and CJ Olney playing alongside Kellan LeBlanc from Union Academy’s U-18 squad. Eddy Davis III and Markus Anderson aimed to stretch Carolina Core FC's defense with speed.

Union II scored early as they attacked directly through Vazquez, who was taken down in the box before Anderson drew a foul leading to Pariano's successful penalty kick. Carolina attempted an equalizer shortly after but failed to connect on a cross, allowing Philly to counterattack quickly.

Carolina Core tested Union II’s defense throughout the match, notably when Santiago Cabindo's shot missed just wide of the far post around the half-hour mark. Despite holding possession for most of both halves—66% in the first half and 80% after halftime—Carolina could not break through Union II's defense.

Union II made strategic substitutions at the hour mark with Sal Olivas, Jamir Johnson, and Zach Mastrodimos entering to help secure the result. Wetzel and Makhanya continued to make key defensive plays under increasing pressure from Carolina Core.

The match was effectively decided in the 77th minute when Vazquez set up Olney for Union II’s second goal. The victory places Philadelphia Union II back at the top of their conference standings as they approach their final four regular-season games.