Philadelphia Union Academy’s U17s and U15s took a break from MLS NEXT action and hosted rival New York Red Bulls in a pair of friendlies. The Union emerged unbeaten as the U17s claimed a 3-2 win while the 15s ended square with a 1-1 draw.
The U17’s faced a lot of pressure early in their match against New York with the Red Bulls scored the opening goal in the 9th minute of play. The Union stormed back to make it 3-1 before the half with Nelson Pierre opening scoring in 19th and Marcos Zambrano notching a first half brace in his debut game. The Red Bulls converted once more in the of the second half after a scramble to find the ball in the box. The Union were able to control the game from there on out, creating a few more chances on goal and making light work of most of the Red Bulls chances that came their way.
The U15’s fought a tightly contested battle throughout their match against the Red Bulls with neither team able to convert in the first half of action. Antonio Horozoglou opened the scoring in the 56th minute when he tipped the ball away from a defender trying to clear the ball and beat the keeper charging at him. The Union lead was short lived when the Red Bulls got out in transition and were able to convert in the 57th minute. The final third of play saw the Union pressing well on defense not allowing many quality chances and the few that did get a shot on net were stopped short by the keeper. On offence the team was able to create a couple of opportunities but failed to capitalize.
The U17s returns to play on Tuesday evening with a friendly against Ocean Township U23s before returning to MLS NEXT action on the weekend. Both teams take to the road for their next matches on Saturday November 7th when they both take on the Bethesda SC.
