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Union preseason fan weekend in pictures

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.

Photo By Earl GardnerRoger Torres signs an autograph for a fan.

Photo By Earl GardnerChandler Hoffman with one of his new fans.

Photo By Earl GardnerDanny Mwanga & Torres are always accommodating to the fans.

Photo By Earl GardnerZac MacMath takes his best ‘Facebook’ photo.

Photo By Earl GardnerFans got to spend some quality time chatting with the players.

Photo By Earl GardnerSons 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?

Photo By Earl GardnerWith so much to do around Orlando, this Union fan wrestled with a gator at Gatorland.

Photo By Earl GardnerAfter the Orlando City match, all the Union players gathered for an autograph session.

Photo By Earl GardnerMacMath discusses the killer PK save he made earlier in the evening.

Photo By Earl GardnerPorfirio Lopez gives hair tips to the fans.

Photo By Earl GardnerMwanga adds his John Hancock to this team-signed jersey.

Photo By Earl GardnerChris Albright takes in the scene at the Union’s open practice.

Photo By Earl GardnerZach Pfeffer and Christian Hernandez stretch out as part of a regenerative workout.

Photo By Earl GardnerUnion Executive Vice President Dave Rowan introduces Alecko Eskandarian and John Hackworth for their Chalk Talk with the fans.

Photo By Earl GardnerEskandarian  and Hackworth discuss the previous night’s match and the Union’s Youth Academy.

Photo By Earl GardnerThe team does some light running during the practice.

Photo By Earl GardnerThe team gets their stretch on.

Photo By Earl GardnerYoung fans got to play a pick-up game with John Hackworth and Alecko Eskandarian.

Photo By Earl GardnerThe kids had a blast out on the pitch.

Photo By Earl GardnerSome of the players work on the dreaded quad pushup.

Photo By Earl GardnerAfter practice, the fans and players enjoyed lunch together.

Photo By Earl GardnerMwanga breaks some bread with the fans.

Photo By Earl GardnerPlayers were having as much fun at lunch as the fans were.

Photo By Earl GardnerThe Farfan brothers spend some time with another set of twins at lunch.

Photo By Earl GardnerThe 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.

10 Comments

  1. Fantastic. Just a super fantastic set of photos.

  2. the last pic is awesome.

  3. 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?

  4. Great job, Earl…Well captured.

  5. Super pictures!!!

  6. 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!

  7. Earl!!!

    What a great job on thes pics!! Roll on 3/18 and then 2013 – I’m in again!!

    Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  8. CityHeroesSpursZeros says:

    Great Photos, I can’t wait for the season to start.

  9. Richie The Limey says:

    Nice photos! For a full audio report of the game check out Episode 3 of the new DoopCast. Find us on iTunes.

  10. Staci Klemmer says:

    Great shots Earl! Especially the one of me and Zac. Can’t wait for next year…less partying though, gonna bring the kids.

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