Jasinski goal in 71st minute leads Union II to first win in interim head coach Marlon LeBlanc’s first game

CHESTER, Pa. — A 71st minute goal from substitute Jack Jasinski lifted the Philadelphia Union II to their first win of 2020 over New York Red Bulls II here Wednesday.

Jasinski was one of three Union II players to score their first professional goals in the game, which started off with a bang 21 seconds in when Patrick Bohui forced a turnover in the box and sliced a ball into the open net to put Union II up. It was the first start of the season for the 16-year-old, who was making just his second appearance of the season.

It was also an exclamation point to start a game two days after Sven Gartung was relieved of his coaching duties. Academy coach Marlon LeBlanc, who coached Ray Gaddis and Jack Elliott during their collegiate years at West Virginia University, was on the sidelines for the first time as the interim head coach.

“I thought the spirit and the energy last couple days was excellent,” said LeBlanc, who had his first training session with the group on Monday. “The collective group effort was fantastic.”

Matt Ralph

After grabbing the early lead, the visitors — which outmatched the team here 5-1 two weeks ago — played their way back into the game picking up an equalizing penalty kick in the 37th from YSC Academy grad Sebastian Elney and a 43rd minute goal from Cherif Dieye.

Combination play from Jack McGlynn and Axel Picazo just before halftime leveled the score. It was a diagonal ball from McGlynn in the 71st minute that set up Jasinski for the eventual game winner. Jasinski subbed in as a forward but later shifted back to left back to close the game down and secure the three points.

“All credit to Jack, he executed everything we were asking of him,” LeBlanc said. “What a way for him to score his first professional beat a rival.”

The Union II return home to Subaru Park on Sunday to take on Hartford Athletic at 7:30 p.m. Fans will not be permitted to attend.