It has been an incredible year of soccer in Philadelphia. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a look back over 2010, the year soccer came home to Philly, as seen through the lenses of the PSP photographers—Daniel Gajdamowicz, Paul Rudderow and Nicolae Stoian. You can view the collection of photo essays here. We continue with a look at Philadelphia, U-S-A!

The buzz created by the arrival of the Union and the Independence only increased as the start of the 2010 World Cup drew near. World Cup fever swept the city when the US played its final warm up match before heading to South Africa at the Linc. It was as much about being a fan as about what was happening on the pitch.

USA fans feel the pride ahead of the match against Turkey at the Linc.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Some fans hear their support on their sleeves. Others have it tattooed on their chest.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

There’s nothing like being with 50,000 fellow USA fans
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Somebody better get back on side.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

With the start of the World Cup, USA supporters gathered in soccer-friendly bars across the city. Who wanted to watch alone?

USA and England supporters come together to watch the first World Cup meeting of the two teams since the historic US victory in 1950.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The crowd overflowed outside of the 700.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The bar erupts with Dempsey’s goal against England.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Philadelphia’s newest USA fan.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

When Landon Donovan won it for the US in the closing seconds against Algeria, the roar was just a little too loud for some.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The US played its first friendly after the World Cup against Brazil in nearby East Rutherford. Yes, they got their butts kicked. It happens, sometimes.

There sure were a whole lot of Brazil fans at that USA v Brazil friendly. Kind of like when the Union played Manchester United…
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Spector versus Neymar…Hmmm…This doesn’t bode well.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The USA Women played China in a friendly at PPL Park ahead of the CONCACAF 2011 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Heather Mitts from the Philadelphia Independence played for the US.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Abby Wambach gets taken down.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Less than a week later, the US men played Colombia in a friendly at PPL Park.

You, sir, frighten me.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Welcome to Chester.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

A colorful crowd was on hand at PPL Park.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Bob Bradley looks on from the Bench in the first half.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

US faces, new and old.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Oguchi Onyewu. Yes, I think you were fouled.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Jozy Altidore on the attack.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Full beer? Check. Painted belly? Check. Half moon? Check. Watching the US play at PPL? Priceless.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian