Philadelphia Union pushed its unbeaten streak to six with a 5-0 rout of Toronto FC II at Subaru Park on Sunday afternoon.
The match was the perfect definition of the club's role in the entire Philadelphia Union pathway with first team players making their case for MLS minutes while the next generation shined against the Canadian side to rise into second place in the East.
Markus Anderson scored his second goal of the season to put the Boys in Blue ahead in the first half but it was all Union II in the second half with four goals in the final 30 plus minutes to seal the deal. Homegrowns CJ Olney and David Vazquez each found the back of the net with thrilling finishes while 15-year-old Malik Jakupovic continued to shine when he takes to the pitch with his first career brace via stoppage time goals.
Philadelphia Union II looks to conclude its season-long four-game home stand with another victory as they host its season-long five-game home stand back in action next week
How The Match Unfolded
Union II kicked off its July slate with another unique lineup under the helm of MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Month winner Ryan Richter. Midfielder Giovanny Sequera earned his first start as an outside back paired up alongside the usual partners of Isaiah LeFlore, Neil Pierre and Rafael Uzcátegui. The midfield saw a strong group full of chemisty with captain Nick Pariano alongside David Vazquez while the attacking midfield was the combination of CJ Olney and Kellan LeBlanc. Markus Anderson returned to the starting XI for Union II paired up alongside Eddy Davis III to round out the starters.
For the second-straight match, Union II had eight playes available as substitutes with Union Academy amateurs Jordan Griffin and Jamir Johnson available alongside up-and-coming professionals Willyam Ferreira and Malik Jakupovic. The attacking options continued for Richter with Stas Korzeniowski and Sal Olivas, back from the first team's trip to Nashville SC yesterday.
17', Pariano nearly finds the opener | Union II were dominate from the opening whistle controlling the pace and with it scoring opportunities. After a trio of half chances, the Boys in Blue nearly found the game's opening goal as Nick Pariano slipped into the box. Receiving a cut back pass from Anderson, Pariano crashed toward the back post but saw his footing give away as he tried to spin around the keeper.
27', Anderson makes it 1-0 for Union II | The Boys in Blue found the breakthrough 10 minutes later with a quick transition finish from Anderson. Kellan LeBlanc kicked off the action, intercepting a pass on the right side from TFC II and quickly hitting a centering pass to the Union forward. Dribbling with immense control, Anderson ripped a shot from the top of the 18 under the keeper for the 1-0 lead.
54', Toronto forced to change keepers | After making a trio of changes at the break, the Canadian side was forced into another change early in the second half after goalkeeper Adisa De Rosario collided with teammate Ythallo on a cross intended for Davis III. A long evaluation deteremined that Toronto needed to make a swap for the Goalie Wars at MLS All-Star Skills Challenge selection, with backup Shafique Wilson taking his place in net.
63', Olney doubles the lead | Just like in the first half, Union II added to its lead with a quick transition from defense to offense to double its lead. Neil Pierre quickly shot a pass to the right side for Sequera who spun around his marker at the center stripe to open up the play. From there the Boys in Blue attacked the Canadian side as they retreated with LeBlanc driving centerally before hitting Anderson on the overlapping run. The forward opted for the centering pass that was deflected off the keeper and spilled to the far post where Olney reacted first for his second goal of the season.
77', Vazquez's set piece magic | Philly firmly grabbed the contest with just under 15 minutes remaining with a remarkable free kick golazo from homegrown David Vazquez. After Ythallo took down Vazquez just outside the 18, the midfielder made the Canadian side pay for the mistake with a right-footed blast that snuck around the wall and inside the far post.
90+', Jakupovic makes it four | After a big save from goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook on one end of the pitch, the Boys in Blue made it four with a counter attack finish from 15-year-old forward Malik Jakupovic. Staying onside the entire route to the right post, the Academy product easily tapped home the smooth pass from fellow substitute Sal Olivas for the second goal of his professional career. The play was a special one for his teammate as Willyam Ferreira picked up his first professional assist on the play.
90+', Jakupovic gets the brace | With 14 minutes of stoppage time added due to the hydration break the lengthly check for Toronto FC II's keeper, the Boys in Blue made sure to play until the final whistle with Olivas once again finding Jakupovic at the back post to complete the forward's first professional multi-goal performance.
