Match Recap: Philadelphia Union II Defeat Columbus Crew 2 in Impressive 3-1 Away Victory
Columbus, OH — June 22, 2025
Philadelphia Union II continued their unbeaten road streak in style with a commanding 3-1 win over Columbus Crew 2 on a scorching Saturday afternoon at Lower.com Field. Despite trailing early, Union II responded with three unanswered goals to secure a vital three points in MLS NEXT Pro action.
⚽ Full-Time Score:
Columbus Crew 2 – 1
Philadelphia Union II – 3
🔥 Match Highlights
22’ — Goal (Crew 2):
Columbus took the early lead when left back Owen Presthus finished a swift counterattack, assisted by Anthony Alaouieh.
30’ — Goal (Union II):
Union II responded as Leandro Soria slotted home a rebound after Sal Olivas’ shot struck the post. Nick Pariano helped initiate the attack from the right flank.
47’ — Goal (Union II):
Just two minutes into the second half, Gio Sequera rose above the defense to head in the go-ahead goal from close range.
72’ — Goal (Union II):
Super-sub Eddy Davis III sealed the result with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a deflected save by Crew 2 keeper Luke Pruter, following a sharp assist from Stas Korzeniowski.
Tactical Analysis
Head coach Ryan Richter again worked wonders with a shortened bench, fielding only three outfield substitutes and a keeper — yet securing a third straight win under such circumstances.
Union II dominated possession early but were vulnerable to counterattacks. After conceding, they found rhythm through their left-sided combinations — particularly Isaiah LeFlore, CJ Olney, and midfielders Sequera and David Vazquez.
Gio Sequera was pivotal, operating as a deep-lying playmaker before pushing forward for the eventual winner. His development as a dynamic midfield option could influence Ernst Tanner’s long-term plans, potentially leading to a permanent move from Liga FUTVE’s Metropolitanos.
At the back, keeper Pierce Holbrook was a standout performer with at least three crucial saves. Defenders Neil Pierre, Rafael Uzcategui, and substitute Oscar Benitez provided resilience as Columbus pushed late.
Squad Depth Tested Again
With MLS NEXT Cup commitments pulling key players like Cavan Sullivan away, Union II relied on academy reinforcements and tactical adaptability. Recently graduated players from YSC Academy — such as Zach Mastrodimos, Henry Bernstein, and Gavin Wetzel — have thinned the bench further.
Yet the mix of youth and determination continues to deliver. Stas Korzeniowski, returning from injury, proved once again why he’s a game-changer in tight second-half moments.
📊 Match Stats
| Stat | Columbus Crew 2 | Philadelphia Union II |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 9 | 18 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 9 |
| Possession (%) | 57% | 43% |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 85.6% | 80.9% |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Fouls | 7 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Offsides | 7 | 1 |
Man of the Match: Pierce Holbrook & Gio Sequera
Holbrook’s reflexes kept Union II alive early on, while Sequera’s commanding performance in both defense and attack sealed the victory.
📅 What’s Next?
Philadelphia Union II return home for a quick turnaround, hosting New England Revolution II at Subaru Park on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 PM ET. It’s the first of four home matches in a busy 17-day stretch.
Three Key Takeaways
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Resilience wins again: Despite limited squad depth, Union II keep finding ways to win.
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Sequera’s stock rises: His aggressive yet smart midfield play could earn him a long-term place in the Union setup.
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Watch Holbrook: The young keeper continues to impress with his shot-stopping and command of the box.
Holbrook’s reflexes kept Union II alive early on, while Sequera’s commanding performance in both defense and attack sealed the victory.
📋 Starting XI
Philadelphia Union II (4-2-2-2):
Holbrook – LeFlore, Uzcategui, Pierre, Pariano – Vazquez, Sequera – Olney, Soria – Davis, Olivas
Average Age of Starters: 20.0
Substitutes: Benitez, Bernstein, Korzeniowski, Sheridan
Columbus Crew 2 (3-5-2):
Pruter – Presthus, Rogers, Randazzo – DiNoto, Elliott – Alaouieh, Sy, Rincon, Adu-Gyamfi – Ortiz
Substitutes: Flanary, Grinblat, Gimple, Palacios, De Libera
🟨 Yellow Cards
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Dylan Randazzo (Crew 2) – 13’
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Rafael Uzcategui (Union II) – 52’
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Pierce Holbrook (Union II) – 90+5’ (Time wasting)
