International Friendly | June 8

FIFA World Cup festivities came to Philadelphia as Philadelphia Union II hosted Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up friendly. With free tickets available to all fans, the match drew a lively crowd, highlighted by a strong and vocal Ivory Coast supporters’ section that brought international atmosphere to the stadium. Played in an entertaining format of three 30-minute periods, the contest matched the youngest team at the World Cup against the rising talents of the Union development pipeline.

Ivory Coast opened the scoring through Evann Guessand, before Cavan Sullivan impressed for Union II, earning a penalty that was brilliantly saved by Alban Lafont. The Elephants doubled their lead from the spot as Ange-Yoan Bonny converted confidently.

Union II goalkeeper Jojo Elliott Jr., a University of Delaware standout and former Union Academy player, produced a highlight moment of his own by denying Nicolas Pépé from the penalty spot.

While the result didn’t fall Union II’s way, the night served as a valuable experience against elite international opposition in front of an energetic crowd. Ivory Coast will now turn their focus toward their World Cup opener against Ecuador on June 14, as they prepare for a challenging group that also includes Germany and Curaçao.