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Union II Halt NYRB II Progress with Late Win


New York Red Bulls II return trip to Chester halted their season progress with a 3-2 loss on Wednesday afternoon. Two weeks ago, the New York Red Bulls II visited Subaru Park and defeated the Philadelphia Union II, 5-1 as the Red Bulls' offensive prowess overwhelmed a team with some defensive issues. The home side just had one simple thing on their minds...

Payback.

The Philadelphia Union II was winless in their last six matches, and so the organization made a quick coaching change. Sven Garting was relieved of his duties, and former Union defender and West Virginia University Men's soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc took over a squad that had a goal differential of -15. The switch may have been just what was needed to inject some energy into the team.

It didn't take long for the change to have some effect, just less than a minute into the match, goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley mistakenly tried to play the ball from the back, and was immediately pressured by Union II forward Patrick Bohui who then pounced on the loose ball and slotted in the net for an early 1-0 lead for the home side. The goal, scored in 19 seconds after kickoff was tied for the ninth-fastest USL Championship history.

As the half progressed, the lead wouldn't last very long. In the 36th minute, Red Bulls would answer as Sebastian Elney was fouled in the box by Union II goalkeeper Mitchell Budler resulting in a penalty kick, and he took care of business from there. Powering the ball down the middle and in the back of the net to level score at 1-1.

Then in the 43rd minute, Sherif Dieye received a great pass from Caden Clark, who then bombed down the sideline, danced around two Union II defenders and blasted the ball past Budley to put the visitors ahead, 2-1

Unlike the match two weeks ago the Union would not go quietly. Just as the first half was about to conclude, on a break, Union II midfielder Jack McGlynn took a pass from Axel Picazo, and taps it in from close range to equal the score at 2-2 before halftime.

Both teams would trade quality scoring chances as the second half began with Axel Picazo banging the top of the crossbar before being subbed out by Quinn Sullivan. New York nearly grabbed the lead themselves as Caden Clark's shot drifts just wide to his left as the action on the pitch began to open up.

However, in the 71st minute, it would be the Union who would score the decisive fifth goal as Jack Jasinski received a through ball deep from the midfield by Jack McGlynn, who delivered a great shot that got past Lapsley to give the home side the lead, 3-2.

Any previous defensive issues the Union had was put rest thanks in part of the new head coach, who inspired the defenders to shut down the Red Bulls' potent attack to just two shots on goal in the second half, sealing their first win of the season.

by Garry Redman

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