Sunday afternoon brought along the first-ever MLS Next Pro Playoff game to Subaru Park as Marlon LeBlanc and his Union II side played hosts to their bitter rivals NYCFC II in the first round of the MLS Next Pro post eason.
It’s the third time in three years that LeBlanc has led his team into the playoffs, with the Union becoming only the 2nd ever team to achieve that feat.
For his starting XI, the Head Coach decided to start Carlos Rojas at center-back alongside Neil Pierre, with Makhanya making the bench. Markus Anderson joined Eddy Davis upfront, uniting their growing partnership from the latter stages of the regular season. Nick Pariano started as the holding midfielder to the incredibly talented trio of CJ Olney, David Vazquez, and Cavan Sullivan. Gavin Wetzel got the nod ahead of Jamir Berdecio at right back.
The first half was a very close affair throughout, with both teams having a few chances each to take the lead. David Vazquez had the first clear-cut chance of the match, but his shot from inside the box flew over the top. Just a minute later, in the 18th minute, Union II thought they had grabbed the opening goal of the game, when Cavan Sullivan fired home his shot. However, Frankie Westfield was judged to be offside in the buildup, so the goal was ruled out.
NYCFC II had their chances in the first half too, but both Neil Pierre and Carlos Rojas were on top of their game and defended extremely well against one of the top goalscorers in the entire league.
The first half ended 0-0, with the game very tight between the two sides and them both having chances of their own. Union II had to be scrappy and gutsy at times throughout this game and it was good to see them show that side to their game, as it’s often the attacking flair that shows up in games and leads to the positive results they have.
The second half was just like the first half, both teams playing to a good level and trying not to push too far for a goal, in case of being hit on the break. David Vazquez, once again, had the first big chance of the half when his shot looked to be flying into the top left-hand corner but NYCFC II keeper Alex Rando made a brilliant diving save.
Marlon LeBlanc went to his bench for some inspiration and fresh legs on the 63rd minute when he took top goalscorer Eddy Davis off and replaced him with Sal Olivas. He then made another change 20 minutes later, this time bringing off Cavan Sullivan for Kellan LeBlanc.
Just a few minutes after the 2nd sub, and just as the game looked certain to head to extra football, Neil Pierre found CJ Olney down the left wing and the young playmaker cut inside the box and hit one of the best front post finishes I’ve ever seen past Alex Rando. 1-0 Union II and they were just minutes away from entering the Conference Semi Finals.
Marlon LeBlanc made a double change in the 90th minute, bringing on defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Jamir Berdecio for Markus Anderson and Nick Pariano. These subs managed to help see out the result, that should have been 2-0 after Vazquez missed a golden chance at the death but he only managed to hit the post from close range. The Union advance to the Semi-Finals after a thrilling playoff contest.
They’ll wait to see who they play next as anticipation builds with the team pushing to make the conference finals.
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union II
