Monday evening brings along some MLS Next Pro action for Marlon LeBlanc and his Union II side as they host Columbus Crew 2 at Subaru Park.
Philadelphia Union II vs Columbus Crew II preview
Union II are coming off a 4-2 defeat to Toronto FC 2 after a resurgent second-half effort thanks to a first goal and brace for Marlon’s 16-year-old son Kellan LeBlanc. Toronto went on to score two late goals to kill the game off and leave Union II missing the chance to regain the top spot from Cincinnati. Kellan’s performance last weekend earned him the MLS Next Pro Rising Star award for matchweek 23.
For that match against Toronto, the Union had a heavily depleted squad with the likes of Cavan Sullivan, CJ Olney, Andrew Rick Jr, David Vazquez, and Sanders Ngabo, who had just been transferred away from Philly, all missing. This week, however, those names at LeBlanc’s disposal again (outside of Ngabo obviously). Eddy Davis is also back with the team after finishing his 2-week trial away from the club.
Columbus Crew 2 are currently flying in league action and haven’t lost a game since early June when, funnily enough, Union II beat them. Their 10-game unbeaten streak has stretched to this game, with them beating Marlon LeBlanc’s side back in late July 3-2, making this game between the two teams their 3rd meeting of the season and a series tiebreaker.
With only 6 regular season games left this season before the MLS Next Pro playoffs commence, both teams will be looking to pick up a massive 3 points. FC Cincinnati currently holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, on 43 points, with Union II right behind them in 2nd place with 41 points. Columbus are nestled in behind, sitting in 3rd place on 39 points.
With a win potentially sending Union II back to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but a loss meaning the visitors leapfrogging Union II into 2nd place, this is a game you won’t want to miss. Kick off is scheduled at 6pm ET and the game is at Subaru Park, with tickets available to purchase. If you can’t make it to the ground for the game, it will be streamed on Apple TV via an active MLS Season Pass subscription.
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union II
