Philadelphia Union II using "incredible" Wrexham experience to close second-half of season

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Union II earned an opportunity of a lifetime on Friday, welcoming National League winners Wrexham AFC to Subaru Park for a summer friendly, and while many young players might have been intimidated against a recently-promoted squad, the MLS NEXT Pro club rose to the occasion.

Jeremy Rafanello scored his eighth goal of 2023 across all competitions, helping Union II earn a 1-1 home draw against the League Two side. Andrew Rick made two key saves in between the posts, while several Union II starters gained valuable experience in front of a sell-out home crowd.

“It was a fantastic game from Wrexham and an incredible experience for our young guys to get to play in front of that crowd and learn some good lessons,” Union II head coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “It was even chances from both sides, but from our perspective, we couldn’t be more pleased for our young players to go out and get a result against a proper side.”

Wrexham had continued to attract interest during its U.S. tour this preseason, which also featured friendly matchups against fellow MLS NEXT Pro side LA Galaxy II and English Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United. Phil Parkinson’s squad clinched automatic promotion to the English fourth-tier last spring, continuing the rise of the club under co-owners and popular actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

McElhenney was in attendance for Friday’s showdown, which was originally scheduled in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a lengthy delay in the matchup. However, it was Union II who looked the more-dangerous squad over 90 minutes, showing why they have a current five-match regulation unbeaten run in MLS NEXT Pro action this summer.

“They are a very fit and athletic team, very well coached, and their coach has gotten them to play a very good brand of football,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said about Union II. “They don’t just keep the ball for the sake of having it, they look to threaten you. They have a good ethos here, you can see they are a very well run club, and you saw that tonight.

“Both teams were impressive,” Parkinson said about Galaxy II and Union II. “You can tell it's a competitive league, but these kids are developing and playing in a competitive league, which is important for their growth. You could see tonight how sharp Union II was and they brought different things than Galaxy II did. It’s important for the league to keep giving opportunities to improve their players.”

Union II’s dynamic attack of Quinn Sullivan, Jeremy Rafanello, and Chris Donovan were among the standout performers for the hosts, linking up on several occasions and showing their attacking abilities in the final third. Rafanello’s powerful free-kick strike helped Union II tie the match before halftime after Tom O’Connor’s point-blank finish had boosted Wrexham in front just five minutes earlier.

The 23-year-old Rafanello rejoined the Union in 2022 after originally coming through the club’s academy. A New Jersey native, Rafanello played one season at Penn State University before totaling 47 appearances over two seasons with the New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship.

Now with eight goals scored in 13 combined appearances this season, Rafanello hopes Union II can take Friday’s performance into their final two months of the MLS NEXT Pro season.

“I think this type of result can definitely be a springboard for us,” Rafanello said. “We know we are around the playoff places in MLS NEXT Pro and we recently had a good run of form in the league. It’s such a family environment here and after a tough start to the year, we are starting to come together as a group. It just shows the sacrifices that everyone here has put together for the good of the team.”

In addition to Union II’s dangerous attacks, 17-year-old goalkeeper Andrew Rick was also a bright spot against Wrexham. Rick made three saves in the match, keeping Union II from falling behind in the second half and showing his awareness on several corner kicks and long throw-ins.

A recent MLS NEXT Pro signee, Rick is one of several young players making the most of his opportunities with Union II. With 10 league appearances already under his belt, Rick could play a crucial role if Marlon LeBlanc’s squad wants to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

“He’s highly rated, I was watching him during the warmups,” Parkinson said about Rick. “He’s a very cool customer and I think he has a bright future in front of him.”

“When you look at him he’s dealing with crosses, he is making smart decisions with the ball, he’s brave and confident,” LeBlanc added about Rick. “You saw his decision making when they tried to play behind us with the ball. I think he has come a long way and he’s really starting to mature with us.”

Union II can take plenty of positives from Friday’s match, even if no points were at stake in their quest for a playoff spot. They are unbeaten in their five matches across all competitions and have watched plenty of young players take the reins while 2022 stars Jack McGlynn, Paxten Aaronson, and others have all moved on.

Now with eight matches left to play this summer, the focus turns back to MLS NEXT Pro for Matchday 20 next week.

“The players didn’t bat an eye at this opportunity and I think it was all they were focused on for a long while,” LeBlanc said. “I think our trajectory is going in the right way. We had a rough start to the season, but we have started to play how we want to play and I think tonight will help continue that trend.”