The Philadelphia Union played their second preseason game Tuesday night against CF Montreal. On Monday, we saw them play their opening preseason game against Cincinnati FC end in a 1-1 draw. For the first game of the preseason, it was exactly what you should’ve expected, some good some things, and some bad. Jim Curtin headed into Tuesday night aiming to improve and experiment with the roster.

In a rainy game in Fort Myers, Florida, Curtin played 19 players in 120 minutes of game time. The only way to “watch” this game was via a play-by-play summary on the Union’s website.

Union Starting XI

Curtin had two changes from the last game’s lineup. Including Andre Blake in goal and Jose Martinez at CDM. We still have yet to see the record-breaking transfer Mikael Uhre play, and there is only one preseason game left before the start of the 2022 MLS season.

The Union played a dominant first half, applying pressure and getting three good shots off. Defensively, they did an excellent job controlling the ball in the midfield and not letting Montreal get any chances. In the 38th minute, we saw the first change made by Curtin as Corey Burke came in for Sergio Santos.

In the 60th minute, we saw seven changes from Curtin to play what we thought would be the final 30 minutes of this preseason game. Fifteen minutes later, following the substitutions, the boys in blue scored the game’s first goal. Quinn Sullivan took a shot on goal that was saved by the keeper, but right to Corey Burke who put it home. 

When the game reached the 90th minute, both teams decided to play an extra 30 minutes. Curtin made two more changes to start extra time, bringing Joe Bendik and Anton Sorenson onto the field. Then, in the 99th minute, Montreal scored their first goal of the game, making the score 1-1. 

Following the goal, we got to see a Union II player take the field as forward Nelson Pierre replaced Cory Burke. As we reached the final minutes of the game, none other than Paxten Aaronson scored the game-winning goal from outside the box. The 19-year-old is poised for a breakout season, and will be an essential piece to the club’s starting XI. 

The Union won by a final score of 2-1, and will play their final preseason game Friday against Nashville FC. 

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union