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Match Overview 

On a sunny day, at Kinetic Field, Philadelphia New York City FC II saw out a hard fought 1-0 victory in stoppage time against Philadelphia II to take them up to 21st in the league with only goal difference separating the two sides following the result.  

First Half 

Both New York and Union saw even amounts of the ball in the early stages of the game, but Union were able to spread the width and create space with runs in behind and the attacking prowess of Malik Jakupovic and Eddie Davis to maximize their chance creation compared to New York’s approach. Malik Jakupovic was an important factor in Union’s chances with a run from 40 yards out forcing New York’s keeper Brennan Klein to rush the attacker before he could get a shot off. Jakupovic shortly after found himself in a great shooting position just shy of the 20-yard line following a sequence of great control and skill but couldn’t manage enough curl from his left foot to keep the shot on target. New York began to grow into the game using a connection of one-two touch passing to establish control in the midfield. Sebastiano Musu appeared to be the heart of New York’s opportunities later on in the half due to his composure on the ball to progress his team further. New York managed to create a few dangerous chances from crossing positions off the left-hand side but Union’s incredible box defending thanks to the center back pairing of Rafael Uzcàtegui and Andrew Craig held New York to just one shot on target in the first half which was a shot from deep forcing Union keeper Pierce Holbrook to make a critical save. 

Second Half 

At halftime Union II made a substitution with Oliver Pratt coming off for Lennon Harrington. Although he had a strong half, Pratt was substituted due to his recent return from injury with Union surely looking to limit his minutes as a precaution. The beginning of the second half saw New York grow into the game even more controlling the majority of possession due to some great performances from Right Winger Camilo Ponce and Central Midfielder Cooper Flax who had the most touches and shots of any player in the game. The intensity that New York had in possession caused a visible struggle for Union who could not get into the game as much as they were in the first half. A handful of combination plays from Ponce and Musu led to multiple chances for New York, including a free kick just outside the box. New York played aggressively all game resulting in yellow cards for a handful of the squad. Late in the second half, New York faced a devastating blow losing Sebastiano Musu due to a second yellow card following a rough challenge. The extra man advantage for Union helped in their desperation to grab the opening goal as they were able to attack much more freely. Yet still they were unable to find the back of the net even after an incredible long range shot from Rafael Uzćtegui that was tipped over the bar by the New York keeper Brennan Klein. In stoppage time, a free kick was awarded to New York about 30 yards from goal. Cooper Flax stepped up to take the shot and managed an incredible strike to grab the late winner. The game finished 1-0 with New York City FC taking home the crucial three points.

📝- Jack Hollida

📸/ Tolu Oliwo