Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II clinched a place in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final with a 4-3 shootout victory over Crown Legacy FC at Subaru Park on Saturday evening. The match saw defender Olwethu Makhanya score first in the 28th minute, but Dylan Sing from Crown Legacy equalized in the 88th minute, pushing the game into extra time. After no goals were scored during extra time, the outcome was determined by a shootout. Homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick made two key saves, and midfielder CJ Olney successfully converted the final penalty, ensuring Union II's progression to the finals.

The team will host the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Finals at Subaru Park on Saturday, November 2. The exact time of the match is yet to be announced.

In this intense match held at Subaru Park in Chester, PA, referee Abdou Ndiaye officiated alongside assistant referees Matthew Rodman and Max Smith, with Alexandra Billeter serving as the fourth official. The weather was reported as partly cloudy with temperatures around 62 degrees.

The scoring summary for Philadelphia Union II began with Olwethu Makhanya finding the net in the 28th minute with an assist from CJ Olney. For Crown Legacy FC, Dylan Sing scored in the 88th minute assisted by Nicholas Scardina.

The disciplinary summary included cautions for Gavin Wetzel and Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union II and Julian Bravo of Crown Legacy FC among others.

Philadelphia Union II's lineup featured Andrew Rick as goalkeeper and players such as Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre contributing defensively. Substitutes included Carlos Rojas who came on for Cavan Sullivan in the 67th minute.

Crown Legacy FC fielded Chituru Odunze as their goalkeeper with Julian Bravo and Nicholas Scardina among their starters. Josue Rodrigues substituted for Scardina in extra time.

Notably, this match marked defender Olwethu Makhanya's first goal of the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs while CJ Olney recorded his first playoff assist.

Philadelphia Union Communications can be followed for updates via @PhilaUnion on social media platforms.