Wesley Branch
Carmical Sports Media Institute
KENNESAW, Ga – Philadelphia Union II came out on top Monday, defeating Atlanta United 2 5-0, improving to 3-0-2 on the season. Philadelphia is back in the victory column after coming away from its last two matches with ties and now move to second in the Eastern Conference with 12 points.
“We’ve been beaten fair and square,” said Atlanta United 2 head coach Steve Cooke. “We’ve been battered to be fair.”
It was United 2’s first game in three weeks after scheduling issues caused matches to be shifted. Atlanta controlled the possession battle for the majority of the first half, but were unable to get on the board.
“That’s interesting because you know, you start the season, you win 4-0, and then three weeks later it’s almost like the beginning of a season again,” said Cooke.
The long break from game action caused an unusual adjustment for the players. “We’ll do little things during the week in practice to kind of keep a rhythm and maybe some scrimmages, but it’s never the same,” said forward Luke Brennan.
Philadelphia took an early lead after a goal by Chris Donovan in the 18th minute as Donovan headed the ball in off a pass from Davis Vasquez. The goal marked Donovan’s first of the 2024 season.
The offensive efficiency continued in the second half for the Union, adding four goals to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Donovan found the back of the net again after a through ball by Vasquez set up the second goal-scoring connection between the tandem.
“They just beat us to every first ball and second ball,” said defender and captain Matt Edwards. “We can’t have that. Just as a back four, we need to make sure we’re covering each other.”
17 year old Edward Davis notched a team-leading third goal of the season in the 49th minute, only moments after being subbed into the game to start the second half.
Christopher Olney Jr. and 14 year old Kyle Tucker continued the theme of firsts as well, scoring their first goals of the season, both of which coming off of free kicks just outside of the box.
Union II will matchup against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday back in Philadelphia. Atlanta falls to 1-2-0 in 2024, still with six total points. Now down to 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, United 2 will square off with FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday.