MLS NEXT Pro News

MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 10: Jeremy Rafanello

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Jeremy Rafanello led Philadelphia Union to a come-from-behind win over Columbus Crew 2 Sunday night at Subaru Park. The high-scoring Union II moved into eighth-place in the Eastern Conference, picking up nine points from the previous five games.

Rafanello, named Player of Matchday 10, brought his goal total to four. He's been instrumental in Union II's attack, also adding three assists this season.

A game-winner in the 80th minute capped a huge night for Rafanello. He received the ball in space and sent a powerful shot straight into the top right corner.

Union II found itself down 2-0 after the 24th minute. However, two goals in two minutes from Rafanello brought Union II back into the match.

Rafanello converted a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. In the 35th minute, he received a pass from Christopher Olney Jr., created some space from a defender and launched a shot that found the lower left corner of the net.

The 23-year-old Rafanello rejoined the Union organization in August 2022, signing as a Homegrown player. Rafanello played for the Union previously, as a teenager in 2017 and 2018. He has previous playing experience with New York Red Bulls II. Rafanello played college soccer at Penn State, and he also had a stint in Denmark with Helsingor.

Rafanello has spent time with the United States U-19 squad. He made his U.S. U-19 debut in May 2018.