It’s Decision Day in the MLS Next Pro and Marlon LeBlanc’s Union II side face one of the biggest games of their lives as they travel on the road to Chicago Fire II, with a win securing the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Union II clash with Chicago
This whole season has been incredible from Union II, both as a team and in terms of individual accomplishments. With the youngest squad in the league, LeBlanc has guided his team to the playoffs for the 3rd time in 3 years, becoming the 2nd ever side to accomplish that feat.
In terms of individual performances, Eddy Davis is currently leading the way as the team’s top goalscorer, with 13 goals, which is a new single-season record formerly held by current Marseille striker Faris Moumbagna, who played for Bethlehem Steel FC back then. A number of players have also made their first team debuts during the season and gone on to secure MLS homegrown deals. Those players being CJ Olney, Andrew Rick, and David Vazquez.
Union II are coming off the back of a comeback 2-1 win over Atlanta United 2 that saw the Philly side reclaim 1st place from FC Cincinnati II, who lost 3-1 to NYCFC II a few hours later Atlanta opened the scoring but goals from Cavan Sullivan, who hit a sweet left-footed volley, and CJ Olney, who scored a last-minute half-volley, lead Union II to a 2-1 win.
These two teams have faced eachother twice before this season, with the first game being all the way back in March in Chicago, where the teams couldn’t be split during the 90 minutes as the game finished 1-1, with Chicago taking the extra point shootout 4-3. Union II then grabbed all 3 points in the return fixture back in August, when Leandro Soria scored a brace and David Vazquez sealed a 3-2 win.
The hosts in this Decision Day game have a lot to play for too, with their entire playoff qualification on the line as they currently sit in 7th place, just a point away from dropping out of the top 8 spots. They’re coming off a great road win last time out when they beat Columbus Crew 2 last weekend 1-0, Golden Boot leader David Poreba grabbing the only goal of the game.
The game will be a very close and difficult one for Marlon LeBlanc’s side, with both teams desperately needing a win for their own post-season implications. On top of that, Chicago always keeps their games close, with a lot of their results only being split by one goal.
While Union II knows all 3 points will secure the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, they’ll also be keeping an eye on how 2nd place FC Cincinnati II are doing if the Union find themselves without the lead in Chicago.
Cincy host Orlando City B, who currently holds 3rd place, and while they’ve already secured their playoff berth, Orlando could fall down the seedings very quickly if they lose to Cincy. All Marlon LeBlanc’s men need to do is better or match FC Cincinnati II’s result and the #1 seed is theirs for the first time in club history.
The game is scheduled to take place in Chicago at 1pm ET, with the game being streamed live for fans on Apple TV, via an active MLS Season Pass subscription.
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union II
