Group play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs didn’t start off well for the Philadelphia Union U18 and U16 teams on Thursday as both teams lost to opponents from southern California.
The U16s were unable to overcome a two-goal deficit to LA Galaxy in a 2-1 loss. Jonathan Estrada and Justin Jovel scored seven minutes apart midway through the first half for the Galaxy. Substitute Iverson Brisma closed the gap early in the second half, but the Union were unable to find an equalizer.
The U18s, which entered the playoffs with the third best overall record, were held in check by Real So Cal in a 2-0 loss.