Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union II is set to return to MLS NEXT Pro action, hosting Atlanta United 2 at Subaru Park on Thursday night. This follows a nearly two-week break for the team. Tickets for the match are available for purchase, and fans can also watch the game with an MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

The upcoming match will be the fourth league game for the Boys in Blue under the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Richter. In the previous three matches, the team has consistently ended in draws, leading to penalty kick shootouts. In their last match against Huntsville City SC, Union II managed to equalize after an early goal, thanks to Sal Olivas' fifth career goal in MLS NEXT Pro. A second goal by 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan gave Union II a lead, only for them to eventually lose the penalty shootout 4-3 following a crucial save by Oliver Semmle.

Meanwhile, Atlanta United 2 is coming off their first win of the season against Inter Miami CF II. This match concluded with a 3-2 victory but was initially paused due to inclement weather. The match, which started at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, continued in a closed-door setting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the next day. Despite initially trailing, Moises Tablante quickly equalized for Atlanta United 2, with further contributions from Luke Brennan and another goal from Tablante sealing the win.

Before their recent victory, Atlanta United 2 had faced consecutive penalty shootouts against Chattanooga FC and Orlando City B, unable to secure the additional points.