FC Cincinnati 2 return home to Scudamore Field at NKU Soccer Stadium on Sunday, June 4 as they take on Philadelphia Union II. The match begins another busy week of action for the Orange and Blue who will play three matches in eight days. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.
FCC 2 are looking to bounce back after a loss to New York City FC II on May 28 while Union II will want to build on an impressive 3-2 win over Columbus Crew 2.
The match will be streamed live on mlsnextpro.com.
FC CINCINNATI 2 vs PHILADELPHIA UNION II – SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 – 6 p.m. ET – SCUDAMORE FIELD AT NKU SOCCER STADIUM
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ALL-TIME SERIES
Sunday’s match will be the third all-time meeting between FC Cincinnati 2 and Philadelphia Union II. FCC 2 are 0-2-0 against Union II.
SCOUTING PHILADELPHIA UNION II (3-5-3, 14 PTS., 8TH EASTERN CONFERENCE)
Philadelphia Union II enter the weekend eighth in the Eastern Conference standings after a slow start to the season that saw Union II lose their first three matches. Philadelphia have rebounded since, most recently beating Columbus Crew 2 this past Sunday.
Union II are a balanced, consistent attacking side, having scored 20 goals through 11 matches. Nelson Pierre and Stefan Stojanovic spearhead the forward line with the pair combining for eight goals, four each, and appearing in every match this season.
While Pierre and Stojanovic have been productive for Union II, it was midfielder Jeremy Rafanello who turned heads against Columbus, scoring a hat trick in the 3-2 win. The Homegrown talent now has four goals to his name and leads the team in assists, three in just seven matches.
The production of Pierre, Rafanello and Stojanovic hasn’t been enough to offset Philadelphia’s defensive deficiencies. Union II have conceded 26 goals this season, the highest mark of any club in MLS NEXT Pro, and average 2.4 goals allowed per match.
Marlon LeBlanc calls the shots for Philadelphia Union II in his third full season with the club after leading Union II to a playoff berth in the club’s inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season. LeBlanc joined the Union organization after 14 seasons with West Virginia University, winning 138 matches and making six NCAA appearances.
MATCH NOTES
EXPECT A HIGH SCORING MATCH – FC Cincinnati 2 and Philadelphia Union II are two of four teams that have yet to keep a clean sheet this season while both conceding more than two goals a match. FCC 2 carry a 2.2 goals against average while Union II hold a 2.4 average.
DISCIPLINE – Philly are aggressive when winning possession back from their opponents. Union II lead the league in fouls committed (191) and are third across MLS NEXT Pro in yellow cards (34). On the flip side, the Orange and Blue have committed just 127 fouls and been issued 27 yellow cards.
HE’S BACK! – Arquimides Ordoñez is back from the FIFA U-20 World Cup as the Guatemalan forward made his third appearance of the year for the first team against New York City FC Wednesday night. In three appearances with FCC 2, Ordoñez has six goals, tied for the second highest mark in MLS NEXT Pro. With Ordoñez in the lineup, the Orange and Blue are averaging 3.7 goals a match.
HOME COOKIN’ – The Orange and Blue have been solid at home this season playing to a 2-1-2 record at Scudamore Field and have scored multiple goals in three of five matches at NKU. FCC 2 most recently took an extra point against Atlanta United 2 last time out on the back of three saves from Paul Walters in the shootout.
