On Saturday afternoon, the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Playoff Semi Final came rolling into Subaru Park as the Philadelphia Union II side hosted 8th seed Crown Legacy. If the home side won the game, they’d reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in their history.
It was a heartbreaking day around an hour or so before kickoff as Philadelphia Union announced the devastating and truly heartbreaking news that goalkeeper Holden Trent had passed away at the age of just 25. Holden had such a bright future ahead of him, and I was personally looking forward to having the honor of covering his career during his time in Philly, especially as I’m a former goalkeeper myself. Myself, and everyone at PSN, send their deepest condolences to Holden’s fiance, family, and friends. RIP HT13, forever a U!
Marlon LeBlanc made just the one change to his starting XI that beat rivals NYCFC II last week, with Carlos Rojas dropping to the bench and Olwethu Makhanya taking back his starting place alongside Neil Pierre. Markus Anderson and Eddy Davis led the line up top.
Crown Legacy, who were coming off the back of a giant upset win over the #1 seed FC Cincinnati, came flying out of the blocks to start the game and almost found themselves 1-0 up when Idan Giorno’s header forced a good save from Andrew Rick Jr. A few minutes later, Crown Legacy went close again but the effort was a mix of a cross and shot, so never really achieved what Crown Legacy wanted.
Those scary opening 10 minutes or so woke Marlon LeBlanc’s side up and they started growing into the game and creating chances for themselves. Eddy Davis looked certain to score from a cross, but Crown Legacy’s goalkeeper managed to intercept the cross before reaching Davis.
Just before the half hour mark was when the fans witnessed the opening goal of the game and it was a goal the home fans were happy to see. A brilliant corner delivery from CJ Olney found Olwethu Makhanya, who rose above everyone and headed home to put Union II 1-0 up. Union II managed to see out the rest of the half without conceding and headed into the 2nd half with a 1 goal advantage.
Sal Olivas came on for Markus Anderson at the start of the 2nd half and it was Marlon LeBlanc’s team that went he closest first in the 2nd half, with David Vazquez forcing a good save out of Odunze in the Crown Legacy net. Carlos Rojas came on for Cavan Sullivan just before the 70th minute, meaning that Marlon LeBlanc wanted to change the shape of his side in the hopes of controlling the game.
As it looked like Union II were about to secure back to back 1-0 wins in the MLS Next Pro Playoffs, Crown Legacy went on the attack in the 88th minute and Nicholas Scardina’s cross found Dylan Sing, who slotted home from close range, tying the game and sending it to extra-time.
Extra-time went exactly how extra-time always goes. Both teams were tired to begin with, and not wanting to make a single mistake that could cost them their entire seasons, it was very passive and not a lot happened. Neil Pierre created the only big chance for either side as his long ball to Jose Riasco set up the forward for a header, but he couldn’t find the back of the net.
The game went to the dreaded penalty shootout and things didn’t look great for Union II when they missed their 2nd penalty attempt and handed the advantage to Crown Legacy. That was until Andrew Rick saved Legacy’s next attempt, before being the hero once again when he saved Legacy’s final attempt.
This left CJ Olney with the deciding penalty, and as always, the young playmaker and star in the making, slotted it home and sent Union II to their first ever Eastern Conference Final. Andrew Rick, the goalkeeper, being the hero on this day of all days. It was a very fitting and happy ending to such a hard and emotional day for the entire Union community, but especially the Union II coaching staff and players. That one was for you Holden.
Marlon LeBlanc’s side will now face the 6th seed Columbus Crew 2 in the Eastern Conference Final, after Columbus knocked off the 4th seed Chicago Fire 2 3-2 on Sunday. The game will be played at Subaru Park on Saturday November 2nd, with kick off schedule to be at 6pm ET.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
