Philadelphia Union II kicked off their inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season with a dominating 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati 2 at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, PA, this Sunday afternoon.
A pair of Latin American midfielders made their mark on today’s game, with 20-year-old Colombian Carlos Paternina and 22-year-old Venezuelan Jesus Bueno tallying the Union II’s first-ever pair of goals in MLS NEXT Pro.
South American duo power Union II to victory
20-year-old Colombian midfielder Carlos Paternina scored Philadelphia Union II's first-ever MLS NEXT Pro goal in the 4th minute of the match after receiving a pass in the visiting team's 18-yard box and calmly putting the ball past the Cincy goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
The 5'5 132 pound product from Colombia's first division team Envigado FC, Paternina, is on a season-long loan with Union II with an option for purchase and will most likely feature in the Union II team for the entire year.
Union II began attacking from the opening whistle and never let their foot off the gas. FCC2 could not transition the ball from their defensive end, and the team from Pennsylvania was able to capitalize by playing most of the initial 45 minutes in Cincinnati 2's side of the field.
Philadelphia continued their offensive dominance in the second half when Jesus Bueno scored in the 60th minute. The Venezuelan midfielder received a great dummy pass from Cole Turner near the top of the 18-yard box and was then able to beat FCC2's keeper with a powerful low driven shot.
Even though he is only 22 years old, Bueno has plenty of experience under his belt. Before being signed by the Union organization, Bueno played in Venezuela's 1st division side, Deportivo Lara. While there, he notched 75 appearances scoring 9 goals and 3 assists, and left Venezuela being one of the club's captains.
It's an excellent start for a Union II team trying to find its identity after rebranding from Bethlehem Steel in late 2019. FC Cincinnati 2 Head Coach Tyronne Marshall will have a lot of work ahead as his team was heavily outplayed in all of the pitch's areas.
What’s Next:
After today’s win Philadelphia Union II will travel south to Florida to face against Inter Miami CF II on Sunday, April 3rd.
FC Cincinnati 2 will host Toronto FC II at NKU Stadium also on Sunday, April 3rd.
