Philadelphia Union II Goals: Westfield 43', Vazquez 59
NYCFC II Goals:
Quick Read
NYCFC II were on the road Friday night as they took on Philadelphia Union II at Subaru Park. The deadlock was broken on the cusp half time after Francis Westfield converted from inside the penalty area. The Union II would double that advantage just before the hour mark through David Vazquez. NYCFC II were unable to find a route back into the game and that confirmed a 2-0 victory for the hosts.
Match Recap
The Boys in Blue were clad in their Volt kit as they traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania on Friday night for a meeting with Philadelphia Union II at Subaru Park.
Head Coach Matt Pilkington made four changes to the team that took on Huntsville FC last time out. Jack Beer, Stevo Bednarsky, Alexander Hauschild, and Alex Rando came in for Kofi Hope-Gund, Samuel Owusu, Nico Benalcazar, and Jonathan Shore.
The hosts came out of the traps fast and controlled possession early on as they looked to take an early lead. That forced Rando into several stops from distance that the goalkeeper dealt with well.
At the other end, Matthew Myers threatened the Union II defence with a smart run in behind that allowed him to fire off a rising drive on target. The goalkeeper palmed it behind to safety, but a corner was not given.
NYCFC II grew into the game as the half wore on, and they began to find opportunities via set pieces. A string of dangerous corners tested Union back line, but it did not result in a goal.
After riding several waves of NYCFC II pressure the Union II managed to create a chance of their own via a quick breakaway, but Rando smothered the opportunity well to concede a corner.
The shot-stopper would again be called into action in the 42nd minute to palm away a long-range drive that was heading for his bottom right corner. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper could do nothing about Francis Westfield's effort from inside the box a minute later that gave Union II the advantage heading into half-time.
The second period brought no changes for NYCFC II, but it did see the visitors come out the stronger of the two sides. The first effort of the half would fall to Beer from distance before Jonathan Jiménez headed an attempt toward goal a minute later.
Despite that early pressure, it would be the Union II that struck the next goal of the game after David Vazquez stroked home a low shot from the top of the penalty area in the 59th minute.
In response, Beer fired off an effort from distance that didn't trouble the goalkeeper. John Denis would fire off a shot in the 68th minute after some tidy footwork in the penalty area, but his attempt was saved.
Pilkington turned to his bench two minutes later to introduce Maximo Carrizo in place of Piero Elias. Rando, having already produced a string of top-quality saves, getting down low to deny Kyle Tucker.
Carrizo did not wait long to involve himself in proceedings. The midfielder was found in space at the top of the area, but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.
Pilkington would make his second chance in the 79th minute as he introduced Ronny Arévalo in place of Baiera. NYCFC II would make a final pair of changes as injury time approached, with Jonathan Shore and Brian Flores replacing Bednarsky and McFarlane.
That would be the final act of note and confirm a 2-0 victory for Union II.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for NYCFC II is a home game against Inter Miami CF II at Belson Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00PM ET on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
Watch live on AppleTV and follow our official @NYCFCII Twitter page for updates.
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