Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II fought until the final whistle but ultimately fell to Inter Miami CF II with a 3-2 scoreline on Sunday night. The road team needed just one point to secure a third-straight trip to the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, while Miami was contending for a potential home playoff match.

After a first half that saw the hosts score on their only shot on target, Union II equalized through Frankie Westfield in the 68th minute. Miami responded with a set-piece goal five minutes from time and converted an important penalty kick at the beginning of second-half stoppage time, establishing a two-goal lead. Eddy Davis III scored his 12th goal of the season with four minutes left, narrowing the gap to one. Markus Anderson nearly led a solo counterattack but was fouled 35 yards from goal, setting up Kyle Tucker and Westfield for an acrobatic finish that went wide.

Marlon LeBlanc's side featured three amateurs from the Union Academy in its starting lineup, including midfielder Zach Mastrodimos making his league debut. U-18 defensive midfielder Mastrodimos played alongside David Vazquez, CJ Olney, and 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan. Forward Jamir Johnson and Sal Olivas also appeared in the second half at Carolina Core FC on Wednesday night and were promoted to the starting XI.

Both teams attempted early efforts to open scoring, with CJ Olney missing a header and Lawson Sunderland’s shot blocked before reaching goalkeeper Oliver Semmle. A tactical chess match ensued with neither side able to build through midfield comfortably. In the 41st minute, Inter Miami CF II took advantage of some fortune as Yuval Cohen's deflected shot off center back Gavin Wetzel found its way into Union II’s net.

Union II sought an immediate response after falling behind; Vazquez’s long-range effort forced a diving save but missed wide. Substitutes Nick Pariano and Markus Anderson entered at halftime for Mastrodimos and Johnson respectively. The intensity increased as Vice Captain Frankie Westfield equalized in the 68th minute following sustained possession around Miami’s box.

Both sides continued pressing for critical points affecting their postseason positions, leading to further substitutions including Eddy Davis III and Kellan LeBlanc for Olivas and Vazquez respectively. In the 84th minute, substitute Idoh Zeltzer-Zubida hit both posts before Ryan Sailor scored from the resulting corner kick—his first MLS NEXT Pro goal.

Early in second-half stoppage time, Semmle collided with Mateo Saja prompting a penalty kick which Dairon Reyes converted perfectly into the upper corner of Union’s net.

Despite limited time remaining, Union II battled back as Anderson assisted Davis III who scored again reducing Miami’s lead by one goal.

Union II continues its playoff quest next week against New York City FC II on Monday, September 23rd at Subaru Park with kickoff scheduled for 4 PM ET.