Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II continues its campaign to secure a postseason spot as they head to Florida for a showdown with Inter Miami CF II on Sunday evening. Coverage begins at 7 PM on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Despite being the youngest team in average age across MLS NEXT Pro, Union II seeks to become the first team in the Eastern Conference to secure a playoff spot after earning three points against Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night. The Union's youth contributed significantly, with homegrown Nick Pariano scoring his first goal as a professional through a penalty kick conversion in the third minute and David Vazquez and CJ Olney combining late in the second half to secure the 2-0 victory.

With this win, the Boys in Blue returned to the top spot in the East with 46 points and four matches left in the regular season. The Union currently sits eight points ahead of the playoff line and could secure a third-consecutive trip to the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs with a draw on Sunday evening. Marlon LeBlanc's side aims for more than just a road draw as they are still competing for the top spot in the conference, with FC Cincinnati 2 just one point behind Union II as pressure mounts late in the season.

The match on Sunday is equally crucial for Miami, which currently holds the No. 7 spot in the table. Three points combined with other results could propel them up to third place. Entering the weekend, 13 of the Eastern Conference's 15 teams are still in playoff contention, with first to ninth separated by just eight points. Despite their lower position, Inter Miami CF II boasts an impressive home record with seven wins and two losses at Chase Stadium. They enter Sunday's match with an eight-match unbeaten streak at home and will be fully rested after securing a 2-0 road win last Sunday against Huntsville City FC.