Union II Preview vs. Carolina Core

With the Union II taking on Carolina Core in MLS Next Pro action, here are some key talking points ahead of the match:

2 Games In Hand

The Eastern Conference is currently a two-horse race between NYRB II and Union II. The advantage lies with Union II as they have two games in hand over NYRB II and are looking to claim three points against Carolina Core. The Core is struggling to find form and could easily be caught out by Union II, but they have a reasonably respectable defensive record. Despite being winless in seven, Carolina’s matches have all been within acceptable margins, with the team rarely conceding more than two goals a game. Could Union II be an exception to that? 

Will Jakupovic See More Minutes? 

There is a perfect storm brewing in favor of Malik Jakupovic and the timing of the match against Carolina. A few key factors may contribute to the young forward seeing more minutes:

1. Jakupovic has six goals in 5 professional matches, with all his appearances coming from off the bench. 

2. Carolina Core is in 12th place and winless in seven.

3. This is Union II’s second out of three matches in eight days, meaning squad rotation should be emphasized. 

Considering these factors, it is very likely that Jakupovic gets rewarded with more minutes, either off the bench or even getting his first start. The young forward has impressed so far, and it is an excellent opportunity for the senior team staff to get a better look at his skill set. The Union is not shy about the idea of dipping into their MLS Next Pro roster with players like Cavan Sullivan, David Vazquez, and Sal Olivas seeing first-team minutes. 

Previous Meetings

There isn’t much to go by in terms of previous meetings between the two sides. The two last met in September 2024 in a 2-0 victory to Union II. The squad that beat Carolina also features some of the same players, like Eddy Davis, Markus Anderson, and Kellan LeBlanc. Given that the sides have only played each other once, form is the next best measure to predict the match's outcome, meaning Union II should be comfortable. 

Goals, Goals, Goals….But That’s Just the Surface 

Union II has been bagging goals for fun this season, scoring 42 in 17. The options up front seem limitless, with multiple players filling in and scoring goals at the drop of a hat. Much of the credit should go to the club's identity as a whole. The entire Union organization has succeeded due to its unification across the board. While other organizations prioritize one aspect of their club, the Union brings it all together. This becomes evident when dissecting the Union II and their senior squad. 

The 4-4-2, next man up, aggressive, and chaotic playstyle has been adopted by both teams, allowing the seamless transition of players from MLS Next Pro to MLS. When players train or play games with the first team, they do everything they did with Union II at a higher level. When they return to Union II, they apply everything they learned to the same structure and playstyle. This hands-on approach fosters immediate growth for Union II, while slowly developing players for the senior team. 

The beauty of this philosophy is that it works not only for attacking players but also for defense. Union II has the best defensive record in the league, allowing only 14 goals in 17 games. At the senior level, Olwethu Makhanya is direct evidence of this philosophy in motion. Since adding head coach Bradley Carnell, Makhanya has flourished in his promotion to the first team. He has been a staple in defense alongside Jakob Glesnes, using his pace and power to cover behind his aggressive stepping partner. 

You could also look at Frankie Westfield. Just like Makhanya, he has flourished under Carnell’s guidance. Previously, when playing for Union II, Westfield fit like a glove in the senior squad’s defense. What you get from Westfield is a balanced playstyle between attacking and defending. He can deliver a good ball when called upon, but he’s just as likely to make a great tackle in his defensive third. His performances have given Carnell extra fortitude at the back, and now he has the flexibility to move Harriel to the middle and use Mbazio off the bench. 

Union II has been an excellent pipeline, consistently producing players for the senior team to polish and utilize. The core group of players on the current Union II roster also boasts the talent to make a difference at a higher level; it is just a matter of time.