Photo: Paul Rudderow

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 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 One.)

On June 16 against DC United at PPL Park, the Hackworth era began
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

The match proved to be as testy as could be expected. And while the rivalry against DC only deepened the Union were still unable to prevail.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Still, a new spirit of openness was evident at the open practice for season ticket holders.
Photo: Barb Colligon

Three days later, an early goal from Jack McInerney began what would be a 4–0 romp over Sporting Kansas City.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Three days after that, a Gabriel Gomez chip sealed the Union’s win over Harrisburg to advance to the semifinals of the US Open Cup.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Back in league play, the Union would be denied a just result in Houston.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

But they would bounce back to begin a busy week with an emphatic 3–0 win over Toronto.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Disappointment would follow with the 2–0 semifinal loss to eventual US Open Cup winners Kansas City.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

The team would bounce back with a 2–1 win over Montreal courtesy of a late game winner from Carlos Valdes.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

A busy week included the 1–0 loss to Aston Villa in a summer friendly.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And ended with the 2–0 loss at Red Bull Arena.
Photo: Michael Long

The All-Star Game week began with a ceremony at the Art Museum.
Photo: Barb Colligon

And included the building of a playground in Chester.
Photo: Barb Colligon

On a night in which Philly fans and PPL Park shined brightly…
photo: Earl Gardner

Carlos Valdes had a fine All-Star Game…
Photo: Earl Gardner

And Michael Farfan came in for David Beckham.
Photo: Earl Gardner

The Union would next battle back against New England with a penalty kick goal from Freddy Adu…
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

And a 90th minute winner from Jack McInerney.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

A testy 2–0 loss in Montreal…
Photo: Michael Long

Was followed by a humiliating 3–1 home loss to Chicago.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

More ill will resurfaced in the 1–1 draw in DC.
Photo: Barb Colligon

In the scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake it began to seem as if the Union couldn’t play a game without a scuffle breaking out.
Photo: Michael Long

Union assistant coach Brendan Burke tallied the second goal in the Union FOs 2–0 win over the Sons of Ben in the Second Annual River Cup.
Photo: Earl Gardner

But the Union’s woes continued when they gave up a 95th minute winner to Columbus despite having a man advantage.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

September began with a frustrating scoreless draw in New England. The frustration would continue with another draw on the road in Toronto.
Photo: Barb Colligon

The frustration would turn to head-shaking disappointment when former Union man Lionard Pajoy scored the game winner for DC.
Photo: Earl Gardner

The Union would finally end the eight-game winless streak with a decisive 3–1 win over Houston.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

MacInerney’s early chance would be nothing but a faint memory after he went on to score a 73rd minute game winner against New England for his third goal in as many games.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

McInerney would become the first Union player to score in four consecutive games after scoring the equalizer against Houston…
Photo: Earl Gardner

Still, it would not be enough and Houston would go on to win 3–1.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Hopes for an upbeat ending to a disappointing season in the home closer against New York quickly faded…
Photo: Michael Long

And soon turned to despair.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Yet for the faithful, the end of one season of disappointment means the beginning of a new season of hope.
Photo: Michael Long