Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II side will be looking to recover from their first loss of the season as they welcome MLS Next Pro newcomers Huntsville City FC to Subaru Park. It’ll be interesting to see how the team bounces back from their first setback of the season.
Union II vs Huntsville City FC Preview
Union II were completely outclassed last weekend when they suffered their first defeat of the season, on the road to FC Cincinnati. Gerardo Valenzuela was on another level as he put a hattrick past Marlon LeBlanc’s side, his third coming after a brilliant free-kick goal from club captain Kyle Tucker.
Union II didn’t lose too much ground at the top of the table after the defeat to Cincy, they’re currently just one point off the top spot heading into the game, and with their opponents for this one in poor form, it’ll be the perfect time to bounce back and recover.
Huntsville City’s Season so far
Huntsville City FC has had a torrid start to the season, with them only earning 3 points throughout their opening 6 games, all of them draws and then losing the extra point penalty shootout. They arrive at Subaru Park in the search for their first win of the season.
Their last game out saw them lose 1-0 to current league leaders Chattanooga FC 1-0 and it was actually the first time that Huntsville had failed to score in a game this season. They like to spread their goals out but one standout in their team is midfielder Jonathan Bolanos who managed to bag a hattrick earlier in the season, in a loss to Columbus Crew 2, he’ll be one to watch for the Union II defense after showing he can turn up the quality when it’s needed.
Union II stars get first-team contracts
In the past week or so, two Union II regulars have been promoted to the senior team. The first was winger David Vazquez who rightfully earned a homegrown deal after establishing himself as one of the top talents coming through in Philly.
Andrew Rick has also just signed a deal with the senior team after being a constant short-term call-up to cover for the injured Andre Blake. Cavan Sullivan also signed his homegrown deal this week, a record homegrown deal, that runs until he’s 18, where he’ll leave Philly for Manchester City.
The game kicks off at 3 pm ET and is being played at Subaru Park, the game can also be streamed on Apple TV through an active MLS Season Pass subscription.
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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union II