Philadelphia Union Home Opener

Upon a time, in a life that feels so far removed there was a chunky little kid named Kevin. He looked up to his older brother, but at times felt that there were not too many things that they had in common. He tried at times to be like his brother, but he could not find a passion in country music, tractors or racing. But one day when little, well actually quite rotund, Kevin was watching his brother play soccer he thought that finally he may have found something of interest.

That was when I was in 7th grade. I played soccer my 8th grade year and fell completely in love with the sport. I was ecstatic to find that a few years ago a MLS (Major League Soccer) was coming to Philadelphia. Even better, the stadium was actually in Chester, PA only about 3 miles from where I grew up. The ticket prices are more reasonable, the crowds are electrified, and more important than all else it is a sport that I love!

This past month was a real treat because my sister bought us tickets to go to the Philadelphia Union Home Opener against the Colorado Rapids. We went to a couple of games in the fall together, including a playoff match and had a blast! I am fortunate to have such an awesome sister who bought the tickets for us. Unfortunately, the Union lost...but it's ok because I just enjoy seeing good soccer. I plan on making a few different games this year, and so does Megan, so we will see how the Union fare out this season (so far they haven't had a good start!).

Here are some pics from the match:

We were second in line at the gates and when we walked in, the field was looking great!

There is Megan supporting the Union with the Doop Cheer Card.

There I am as well...also want to point out the sweet jersey that Megan bought me for Christmas last year!

Not long after we walked in, the players began warming up.

It was fun to watch them warm up, doing the same drills that I have done numerous times...just so much better!

The fans sang the National Anthem to get the game underway while the Sons of Ben unraveled a flag in the supporter section.

This is a classic shot...they asked us to hold up the cards (blue side out) for the tv station...of all the Doops I saw...this kid has his upside down :)

The game was underway, and very quickly Union was off to an aggressive start.

Tension rose on this play...note the position of the players (and their feet/knees)

The goalie tried to signal that he was kicked by a Union player

When the sideline ref ignored him and shook him off...he got a little upset

Awesome shot of the corner kick.

Great effort by the keep.

On the move again.

Just couldn't get it past him.

Another shot attempt.

And a little fast break...denied :(

Could this be the shot?

Nope...

Another great shot!

Getting rough inside the box.

Yet, we got denied again...

Defense wasn't too shabby...we just couldn't hold them.

The Union ended up losing the match 2-1. The kicker (haha no pun intended) was that all three goals were scored in the 28 minutes that it took my sister and I to make it through the concession stand line. That's right. 10 minutes of the half time, plus an additional 18 minutes of the second half when all the action took place. I meant to write in a letter of complaint, because our guy was not capable of remembering more than one item at a time.

Megan: I'll have a soda, fries and a pretzel please
Guy: (comes back with the soda) uhhh what else did you say you wanted?
Megan: fries and a pretzel.
Guy: ok (comes back forever a day later) i got your fries...ummm...was there something else too?
Megan: Yes, the pretzel please.
Guy: (takes his time) that will be $12.50.

He must have been like that with everyone in line before and after us...maybe he just wasn't cut out for the job :(