Union II Start Their 2024 MLS Next Pro Season With a Win Against Toronto FC II

Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II side kicked off their 2024 MLS Next Pro campaign with a home game against Toronto FC II. The young stars of Philly are looking to reach the playoffs for the 3^rd time in 3 years and a win on the opening weekend would be the perfect start to the season.

Andrew Rick Jr started the game in goal, with first-team players Sanders Ngabo and Nick Pariano starting in midfield ahead of a possible call-up to the senior team next week. Eddy Davis III and Sal Olivas lead the upfront, while offseason signings Sheridan, Sequera, and Meneses all found themselves on the bench to start the campaign.

Union II vs TFC II Recap

The opening 20 minutes was an evenly contested period for both teams, Toronto managed to get through twice, with Union II’s defense looking slightly exposed at times, but Andrew Rick Jr made two fantastic stops in the opening 20 minutes, one from a very good shot from a 1-on-1 opportunity. Captain Kyle Tucker scored a fantastic free kick, which he does regularly, midway through the first half but the goal was ruled out for interference, but I have no idea why it was ruled out.

David Vazquez, who signed a pro contract with Philly during the offseason and is one of the main stars of the academy and UII sides, looked a real threat and was causing all sorts of problems for Toronto’s backline. His cross in the first half found Olivas in the box, but he could only manage to flick his shot wide of the goal.

As the half was coming to an end, Toronto FC II ended up breaking the deadlock when a pass was played around debutant Jamir Berdecio and Toronto winger Jesus Batiz slotted cooly past Andrew Rick. Toronto headed into the halftime break 1-0 up and in control of the game.

Union, Union II — Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union

As the second half started, Marlon LeBlanc’s players knew they had to start the second half quickly. They couldn’t have executed any better than they did when David Vazquez put a great ball into the box from a corner, near the front post area, and vice-captain Frankie Westfield rose to head the ball into the far corner for the equalizing goal and a fantastic set piece goal.

Union II was back in the game and was looking to use the equalizing goal to put pressure on Toronto and to keep momentum on their side and within 3 minutes of Westfield’s goal, Union II found themselves in the lead.

In typical Philly fashion, the UII frontline was pressing high up the pitch and forcing a mistake from the Toronto keeper as he passed the ball straight to debutant striker Eddy Davis III, who calmly took it around the keeper and slotted home to give Marlon LeBlanc’s side the lead.

Union II, in their now 3 years of competing in the MLS Next Pro, are incredibly smart and tidy when it comes to playing safe and managing games out and that’s exactly what happened in the 2^nd half. Philly would go on to have a few more chances in the 2^nd half to truly kill the game off, but in the end, the game ended 2-1 for Marlon LeBlanc’s side and Union II started their 2024 campaign off with a home win.

David Vazquez was impressive in the win today against Toronto and you can see why a lot of people, both nationally and internationally, have been raving about this kid for a while. He looked like a threat every time he had the ball at his feet, his set-piece delivery was on point, and he came away with a great assist to Union II’s first goal of the 2024 season. Frankie Westfield and Sanders Ngabo also impressed me today and I thought Olivas and Davis III lead the line really well. I look forward to seeing their partnership grow throughout the season.

Next up for Marlon LeBlanc and his squad is a home game against New England Revolution II, the opening game of the season for the visitors and one that has, historically, been a terrible matchup over the past 2 seasons with Union II only beating New England twice and losing 5 times in the 7 times they’ve met.