For the second-straight match Philadelphia Union II went the distance but prevailed in the penalty kick shootout to earn a big second point against rivals New York Red Bulls II in the home opener.
Cavan Sullivan dazzled in the first half with a free kick golazo to pace the Union II offense but the Boys in Blue had to showcase some Philly grit to overcome a stoppage time equalizer to win in penalty kicks. In the battle for the extra point, it was another showing from homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick as only one of four shots got past him. On the offensive side during the spot kicks it was Stas Korzniowski, David Vazquez and Leandro Soria hitting the back of the net to put the pressure on the away side that resulted in two big home points for Union II.
Philadelphia Union II will have 11 days to prepare for its next matchup as they hit the road for a showdown at Huntsville City SC on Friday, March 28th. Kick off from the Rocket City is set for 8PM ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Lineup notes
Head Coach Ryan Richter made a handful of changes from to the starting lineup for the 2025 home opener, with Academy midfielder Zachary Mastrodimos earning his first MLS NEXT Pro start. Left back Isaiah LeFlore and Academy amateur Gavin Wetzel got their second starts on the backline while captain Nick Pariano slotted into a right back role and recent signing Ramzi Qawasmy got his first Union II start. The midfield remained unchanged beyond Mastrodimos with CJ Olney, David Vazquez and Cavan Sullivan. Up front big man Stas Korzeniowski paired with Sal Olivas to lead the attack and high press.
How The Match Unfolded
20', Sullivan nets a free kick golazo | After CJ Olney was cut down on a counter attack, homegrown Cavan Sullivan delivered a golazo for the first goal of Union II's season. The 15-year-old midfielder curled a perfectly placed laser of a shot with his left boot to break the scoring under the lights of Subaru Park.
49', Big defensive stand | The visiting Red Bulls sought to equalize early in the second half and had a prime opportunity just minutes after emerging from the locker room. A turnover at the center stripe saw the away side with a 4v3 advantage with the Union defense scrambling to regain their defensive shape. A cutting pass to the penalty spot saw a half chance for striker Ibrahim Kasule but Pariano raced from behind to block the shot and have it glance off a visitor and out for a goal kick.
59', Union II almost double lead | The Boys in Blue were presented with a strong opportunity right before the hour mark to double its lead. CJ Olney fired in a corner kick that was chased down on the bounce but Union II and quickly got it out left to the midfielder. Olney cut inside before firing a shot that forced a punching save from Aidan Stokes but the rebound fell inches away to prevent Union II forward Stas Korzeniowski for the second chance.
81', Red Bulls II go up a man | Constant pressure in search of a game-tying goal saw Head Coach Ryan Richter call upon a youthful bench as Jordan Griffin, Leandro Soria, Oscar Benitez for their season debuts while Eddy Davis III took over for Olivas. The fresh legs were a relief but a quick attack didn't result in a goal but a man advantage as Gavin Wetzel was forced into a difficult tackle to prevent a breakaway attempt and was sent off for denying the goalscoring opportunity.
90+', Red Bulls final the equalizer | With three minutes added to the final frame, Tanner Rosborough timed his run perfectly to sneak into the box and put home a pass from Aiden Jarvis.
