Union II Grind Out 2-1 Road Win Over Toronto FC II

Philadelphia Union II left it late but came away with all three points in Toronto on Friday night, earning a 2-1 victory behind a strong second-half push.

Toronto struck first in the opening half from the penalty spot, putting the hosts up 1-0. The Union, playing out of their familiar 4-4-2, responded with patience and possession. A key change was CJ Olney’s return from loan, slotting into midfield alongside Nick Pariano. The pairing offered more creativity than grit, giving Union II an edge in building attacks.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Toronto turned the ball over deep in their own end. Olney slipped in Stas Korzynowski, who drove a low finish to the far post to level the match. This goal changed the look of the match going forward and gave Toronto II a lot to think about.

The second half saw Union II dictate tempo, finishing with 53% possession and outshooting Toronto 17-12. Still, Toronto generated the clearer looks at goal but failed to convert. That set the stage for the decisive moment. In the 84th minute, Olney delivered a whipped corner into the box, where Oscar Benitez rose to nod home the winner.

Union II’s late surge secured the road result, marking another step in their steady season. With Olney back pulling strings in midfield, the group looked more dangerous going forward and showed they can grind out wins away from home.

Key Takeaways

Midfield Flexibility Back in Focus

With CJ Olney returning to the squad, Union II suddenly looks far less predictable in midfield. Pairing him with Nick Pariano relieves Pariano of having to carry the full creative load, giving the Union more balance in possession. When Cavan Sullivan is available, he adds yet another layer of craft and unpredictability that makes the side much harder to defend.

Different Midfield Looks for Different Matches

The staff now has the option to tailor the midfield depending on the game. If the matchup calls for grit and bite, Oscar Benitez can slot in next to Pariano. But when Union II needs to unlock a defense, the Olney-Pariano-Sullivan mix brings skill and fresh ideas rather than just industry. That kind of flexibility wasn’t there earlier in the year, when the team often relied on a single, high-energy style.

Variety of Options Up Front Too

It’s not just midfield. Up top, Eddy Davis III, Markus Anderson, and Sal Olivas all give Union II pace and dynamism. But when the game calls for a more physical option, Stas Korzynowski offers a target who can battle in the air, win headers, and do the dirty work to tilt the field. Similar to the look in midfield, the staff can rotate based on their opponent and what skillset is best at getting a result.

Playoff Implications

Earlier in the season, Union II looked like a one-trick pony, leaning heavily on speed and aggression. Now, with Olney back and Sullivan available at times, they have balance and multiple ways to win matches. That depth and tactical flexibility could prove decisive heading into the playoffs.

Looking ahead, Union II will face off against NYCFC II at home in their final regular-season match. Union II is a heavy favorite in this one, with NYCFC II sitting mid-table. In eight meetings, Union II has only lost twice, once again proving they are heavy favorites. It is important for them to finish the season strong and take lots of momentum going into the postseason.