Philadelphia Union fans traveled to Orlando last weekend to see the team play Orlando City SC and to participate in the club’s first preseason Fan Weekend. In addition to the game, the weekend’s events included meet & greet sessions with the players, a chalk talk and open practice, all capped off by a barbecue attended by the fans and players. As always friendly, accommodating, open and generous, it would be difficult to imagine a group of players that has a better relationship with its fans. The Union organized a fun weekend filled with great memories for the fans.
Roger Torres signs an autograph for a fan.
Chandler Hoffman with one of his new fans.
Danny Mwanga & Torres are always accommodating to the fans.
Zac MacMath takes his best ‘Facebook’ photo.
Fans got to spend some quality time chatting with the players.
Sons of Ben Travel Coordinator Kelly Delaney and Amobi Okugo check out some shenanigans. Could that be PSP’s own Eli and Ed in the background?
With so much to do around Orlando, this Union fan wrestled with a gator at Gatorland.
After the Orlando City match, all the Union players gathered for an autograph session.
MacMath discusses the killer PK save he made earlier in the evening.
Porfirio Lopez gives hair tips to the fans.
Mwanga adds his John Hancock to this team-signed jersey.
Chris Albright takes in the scene at the Union’s open practice.
Zach Pfeffer and Christian Hernandez stretch out as part of a regenerative workout.
Union Executive Vice President Dave Rowan introduces Alecko Eskandarian and John Hackworth for their Chalk Talk with the fans.
Eskandarian and Hackworth discuss the previous night’s match and the Union’s Youth Academy.
The team does some light running during the practice.
The team gets their stretch on.
Young fans got to play a pick-up game with John Hackworth and Alecko Eskandarian.
The kids had a blast out on the pitch.
Some of the players work on the dreaded quad pushup.
After practice, the fans and players enjoyed lunch together.
Mwanga breaks some bread with the fans.
Players were having as much fun at lunch as the fans were.
The Farfan brothers spend some time with another set of twins at lunch.
The Union put together a great event for the fans in Florida. Everyone got together for one last parting shot.
For additional photos please check out Earl Gardner’s Flickr page.
Fantastic. Just a super fantastic set of photos.
the last pic is awesome.
Man I hope they do this again in 2013. These pictures make me really want to go and do this.
And when is Union Fantasy Campy?
Great job, Earl…Well captured.
Super pictures!!!
As always, fabulous pictures. I can highly recommend this trip – it was SO much fun, and the everyone on the Union team, from front office, to players, to the coaches, were approachable and just darn nice folks. I’m already planning for next year!
Earl!!!
What a great job on thes pics!! Roll on 3/18 and then 2013 – I’m in again!!
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Great Photos, I can’t wait for the season to start.
Nice photos! For a full audio report of the game check out Episode 3 of the new DoopCast. Find us on iTunes.
Great shots Earl! Especially the one of me and Zac. Can’t wait for next year…less partying though, gonna bring the kids.