Union v Chattanooga - July 13th, 2025 Match Report

Union II rolled out in their familiar 4-4-2, mirroring the senior team’s tactical DNA. For most of the first half, they made it work beautifully. Defending in a 4-2-4 shape, Philly used their wingers to block supply lines to the Chattanooga fullbacks, forcing their opponent into tighter central zones where Union II’s double pivot and pressing forwards could apply pressure.

That setup created a compact box through the middle that made it difficult for Chattanooga to build cleanly. This was especially noticeable during a strong 15th–20th minute stretch where Union II's technical superiority showed through. Nick Pariano and David Vazquez brought more control and ball retention than their first team counterparts (Lukic and Danely), opting for short passes and composure rather than explosive transitions. While that meant less counter-pressing force, it allowed Union II to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.

Sullivan Leads the Way

Cavan Sullivan opened the scoring in the 18th minute, showing both confidence and composure with a clever shimmy before curling one high into the net from the top of the box. It was a moment that captured what makes his profile so intriguing and also highlighted something we haven’t seen yet at the senior level: his ability to take players on 1v1 in tight spaces.

His freedom to roam between Chattanooga’s midfield and back line caused constant problems, especially with Union II operating with a mostly fluid front four. Sullivan and Kellan LeBlanc drifted into half-spaces while the two strikers occupied the center backs. This ultimately gave Philly a numerical and positional edge in the final third.

Chattanooga Adapt and Respond

Though Chattanooga started in a 3-4-3, they were quickly forced into a 5-4-1 for much of the first half, pinned deep by Union’s high press and quick combinations. Despite being second-best for most of the first 45, they struck against the run of play in added time with a screamer off a short free kick to level it.

After the break, the game seemed to lose all structure, and everything that benefited the Union early on was now voided. Cavan nearly bagged a second in the 55th, only for Chattanooga to counter and punish a moment of overcommitment. With the lead flipped, the away side smelled blood and added a third, in which they took advantage of the space Union II had left behind.

Youth vs Experience on Full Display

The difference in age and game management became more obvious as the second half wore on. Chattanooga leaned on veterans, including 40-year-old goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, an FA Cup winner with Leicester. Philly relied on younger talent still gaining experience, like 18-year-old Andrew Rick between the posts.

Despite the difference between the two sides, Union II didn’t fade. 16-year-old Malik Jakupovic buried a header to make it 3-2, and almost instantly, Sullivan crashed the box to finish a loose ball from a Pariano cross, leveling the game again in dramatic fashion.

The final stretch was more chaotic than tactical. The game turned into a series of quick thinking moments where anything could happen.  A contrast to the more measured first half.

Final Result

Full Time: 3-3 Penalties: Union II win 6-5

Tactical Takeaways:

• Philly’s 4-4-2 operated more like a 4-2-4 on both sides of the ball, successfully limiting build-up play wide, while also adding attacking options with the ball. 

• Sullivan’s free role in the half-spaces was key in creating overloads and momentum.

• Chattanooga’s experience helped them absorb pressure and punish mistakes in transition.

• Union II’s youth showed fearlessness and technical promise, but managing leads and defensive transitions is still a work in progress.