A late goal from Paxten Aaronson nets the Union’s first preseason win

The Philadelphia Union played their second preseason game on a rainy Tuesday night in Fort Myers, Florida. The game saw the Union play about 19 different players in 120 minutes of play. A pair of scores, including a late long distant banger from the 18-year-old Paxten Aaronson, saw the Union beat CF Montreal 2-1.

Head coach Jim Curtin made two changes to the starting lineup from last week’s 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati. Andre Blake started in goal and Jose Martinez at the six. Mikael Uhre, Jamiro Monteiro and Jack Elliott were noticeable absences from the team.

In the first 20 minutes of the game, the Union’s press was difficult for Montreal to handle. The team also was able to get off three shots. Those shots came off the foot of Daniel Gazdag, Sergio Santos and Leon Flach.

In the back half of the first half, was all about the two teams trying to control the middle of the field. However, the Union seemed to keep a tight defense, not letting Montreal attackers to get behind them. We also saw the first change of the night for the Union which brought Cory Burke on for Sergio Santos in the 38^th minute.

As the game heads towards the 60th minute, there was more attacking from the Union. Between a corner and a free kick from 40 yards out from Glesnes, both went over the bar. The 60 minute brought a host of changes to the lineup for the boys in blue with seven players coming onto the pitch.

Fifteen minutes after the massive changes were made, Quinn Sullivan sent a shot from the edge of the box. It was deflected off the keeper and Cory Burke played cleanup to put the ball into the back of the net and put the Union up 1-0.

As the clock hit the 90 minute, the Union’s live blog stated that both teams elected to play an additional 30 minutes.

The extra time brought a goal for each side. The U started the extra time with two changes to the lineup, bringing in Joe Bendik and Anton Sorenson. In the 99th minute, Montreal was able to get a lucky bounce off the post that found the back of the net. After a few minutes the Union brought in Union 2 and Union Academy forward Nelson Pierre for Cory Burke.

As the clock ticked towardsthe end of the match, Paxten Aaronson buried a shot from long distance. The shot put the Union ahead and ultimately let them to win the game with a score of 2-1.

The next and final Union game of the preseason will be played next Friday, February 18 against Nashville.