MATCH DAY IN PHILADELPHIA
September 20, 2026 | WSFS Sportsplex, Chester, Pennsylvania
Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo
On a day loaded with aggression and intensity, Philadelphia Union II faced off against NYCFC II in a match that was vital for points in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference. Points were shared between the teams as the result ended in a 1-1 draw. The importance of the game drew some familiar faces on the sidelines from the Union first team, including Bruno Damiani as well as Malik Jakupovic, who recently scored his first-ever MLS goal against San Diego FC.
NYCFC showed fight in the opening minutes of the game, holding the majority of possession and creating a handful of threatening transitions to apply early pressure to Union. A golden opportunity arose for NYCFC in the 18th minute when a good combination in the midfield found Mazimo Carrizo through on goal, but a lackluster shot unfortunately was not enough to grab the opener.
NYCFC finally found the back of the net in the 42nd minute when Adonis Campos hit an accurate low-driven cross towards the back post to Drew Kerr, who smashed it into the net with his first touch. NYCFC held the lead at 1-0 at halftime.
In the 50th minute, Union were approached with a golden opportunity to equalize as they won a free kick just barely outside the box. Kellan LeBlanc stepped up to take it, and with a thrashing strike, LeBlanc rifled the ball into the top corner to tie up the game with a fantastic free kick.
The match continued with back-and-forth action until the 80th minute, when Kerr made an intelligent run in behind goal, but before he could get a shot off, Union defender Geiner Martinez collided with the attacker from behind, conceding both a penalty and a second yellow card to see the defender sent off.
Cooper Flax stepped up to take the penalty, facing off against keeper Andrew Rick, who had a total of 10 saves in the match. Rick’s stellar performance continued with an incredible save to keep the score at 1-1 and see the game out.
The game ended in a draw, and players from both teams dropped to the floor at the whistle in exhaustion following a game that resembled a battle for needed points in the league. Union, now just a point shy of a playoff spot, have been eliminated from playoff contention.
A Field of Vision Story
Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo
Philadelphia Union II vs. New York City FC II
September 20, 2026
WSFS Sportsplex, Chester, Pennsylvania
