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The 2012 Union season in pictures, Part 1

The Philly Soccer Page is fortunate to be able to share with its readers the work of six staff photographers: Barb Colligon, Daniel Gajdamowicz, Earl Gardner, Michael Long, Paul Rudderow and Nicolae Stoian. Here’s the first part of a look back at the Union’s 2012 season including home games, the road games we were able to cover, special events and more.  (Click here for Part Two.)

2012 began with with the Help Kick Hunger charity event at McFaddens at Citizens Bank.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Saying goodbye to PaunoIt was also an opportunity to say goodbye to fan favorite Veljko Paunovic.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Less than a week later, we said goodbye to Sebastien Le Toux
Photo: Earl Gardner

Fan weekendSoon it was time for the Fan Weekend in Orlando
Photo: Earl Gardner

Danny Califf scored in the 1–1 draw with Orlando City
Photo: Earl Gardner

Peter Nowak signs an autograph for one of the 500 season ticket holders who attended the Fan Fest at Chickie and Pete’s two days after the season opening road loss to Portland Timbers.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Danny Califf joined the fans at the Stache Bash before the home opener against Colorado…
Photo: Earl Gardner

But he wasn’t in the starting XI that fell 1–2 to Colorado.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Former teammates battled in the scoreless draw against Vancouver as the Union finally earned their first point after being outscored 6–2 over the first three games.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And the drama the preceded the season could for a moment be put behind the team.
Photo: Earl Gardner

The Union earned their first win the next game against Columbus.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

After prevailing in a dogfight of a game against Chivas USA, a late goal from San Jose handed the Union their second loss at PPL of the season.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Chandler Hoffman would provide a much needed distraction from the team’s woeful league play with a late game winner over Schalke 04 in a May friendly.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The distraction was short lived as the Union fell 2–3 to New York at home after Freddy Adu was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the first half.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Three days after losing to last place Toronto, a storm-interrupted game against Rochester Rhinos was the Union’s first US Open Cup win in team history.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Antoine Hoppenot came on to score the extra time winner over DC United in Open Cup play one week later.
Photo: Earl Gardner

One week later, Peter Nowak joined the traveling support in the Union’s 3–2 loss to Harrisburg City Islanders in a friendly. He was fired the next day.
Photo: Barb Colligon

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