WHO ARE YA? is a new feature looking at Philadelphia Union fans at the home matches. Basically — this is us, these are Union fans, and we think they’re pretty cool.
In the Linc parking lot.
Ganeil Gilyead
Who Are Ya?
Ganeil Gilyead
Where are you from? Where do you live? Southern Maryland; Huntington Valley
How long have you been a soccer fan?
Since I was a kid.
Who else do you support?
Formerly DC United, but it’s all Union now.
How much do you know about the Union?
Some of the players’ names
Who on their squad do you expect to stand out?
Fred should produce.
What are your expectations for the team after watching the season opener?
7 wins. They’re a young team- if they put it together they should be great.
Parting words:
Dan Califf’s Mohawk.
During the Joe Biden-induced wait.
Robert Blunt
Who Are Ya?
Robert Blunt
Where are you from? Where do you live? Miami; Conshohocken
How long have you been a soccer fan?
Twenty years- I supported the now defunct Miami fusion of the MLS.
I’ve been a SoB member for a year and a half and have season tickets at mid-field.
How much do you know about the Union?
I know most of the players and was at the rally the other day.
Who on their squad do you expect to stand out?
Don’t know. I just want to see them come together as a team.
What are your expectations for the team after watching the season opener?
They should represent Philly well and play hard and knuckle opponents- play hard but not dirty.
Parting words: I’m excited to finally get soccer in Philly. I hope it’s a lasting relationship. We’ll quickly become the most rabid fans in the MLS. We’re hungry for soccer.
Supporters section- talking to the guy next to me at the half.
Dan and Mike McDaid
Who Are Ya?
Dan McDaid (Left, with cousin Mike McDaid)
Where are you from? Where do you live? Upper Darby; South Jersey
How long have you been a soccer fan? Who else do you support?
I used to play from the 3rd grade on. I’ve been a Celtic fan for 12-13 years. Being Irish I was bred a fan.
How much do you know about the Union?
I did a lot of research since I did a song about them with my band, With No Regret. What inspired me was the passion of the Sons of Ben, the fact that we had supporters before we even had a team.
How does it go?
“From McGillin’s pub, Dark Horse too, a band of brothers wearing gold and blue. Damn right I’m an SoB, drinking my pints and whiskey. Yeah, we’re loyal to the end, from city to city, the word I spread: ‘join or die,’ like Franklin said, my second home is at River’s end.”
Awesome. So why aren’t we hearing this on the PA?
Well, we’re having our record release this Sat in Delco, PA for anyone who wants to check us out.
So, who on their squad do you expect to stand out?
The guy I like is Moreno. He’s that older guy who should bring something to the table to show the younger guys. And the Irish guy of course.
What are your expectations for the team? Are they a bit different now after we put away two in the first half?
I think anything can happen. It’s a bunch of young kids and some veterans. It could turn out like Seattle- the more they play together, the better they’re gonna get.
Parting words: I expect the team to learn and grow. It’s like the Flyers first game- I don’t know how many people showed up for that. I’m sure some people were like ‘it’s that Canadian sport…’ It’s great seeing all the people here.
Where can I see With No Regret live? I want to hear that song, the lyrics inspired me
Joe, check above for the link- my apologies, I meant to place it when originally posting. With No Regret have a record release party this Sat, April 17th in Woodlyn, PA (Delco).
With no regret is playing at Hunts Annex Lounge in Woodlyn Pa starts at 8:00pm 1311 macdade blvd woodlyn pa 19094 right off exit 1 of blue route