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In pictures: The work of the fan

Featured image: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Some seasons, being a fan can involve a lot of work. Here’s a look back at the work of the fan in the 2012 season through the pictures of PSP’s six staff photographers: Barb Colligon, Daniel Gajdamowicz, Earl Gardner, Michael Long, Paul Rudderow and Nicolae Stoian.

The work of the fan

The work of the fan begins before kickoff.
Photo: Earl Gardner

It can take place before game day.
Photo: Barb Colligon

It can involve a certain sense of fashion.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

It may involve some running…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…or some passing drills…
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…and perhaps the occasional drink.
Photo: Barb Colligon

Disbelief will sometimes be called for…
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

…sometimes more often than seems right.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Role reversals may occur.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And sometimes so will the wonderfully unexpected.
Photo: Earl Gardner

An umbrella may be required.
Photo: Barb Colligon

A certain flexibility will be appreciated.
Photo: Earl Gardner

The benefits can be greater than expected.
Photo: Barb Colligon

The work of  the fan may involve some travel…

Be it preseason in Orlando…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…down to Maryland for an Open Cup match against DC…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…up to Reading…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…out to Hershey for a friendly against Harrisburg City Islanders…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…down to Houston…
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

…across the border to Montreal…
Photo: Michael Long

…down to DC…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…or up to New England.
Photo: Barb Colligon

And always…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…always, always…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…to Red Bull Arena.
Photo: Barb Colligon

The work of the fan may involve having to say goodbye…

Some the goodbyes may be known to be coming.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Others may still in the future.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Others still may be almost too shocking to believe.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And when a farewell can’t properly be made, a trip to a hated rival to show one’s continued support to a Union original may be in order.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Thankfully, there are always new favorites to embrace
Photo: Earl Gardner

The work of the fan is more than one season…

Songs must be sung.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Good humor will be required.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

And the solidarity
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…connectedness…
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

…tenderness…
Photo: Michael Long

…pride…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…wonder…
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…passion
Photo: Earl Gardner

…zeal…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…and joy are all in a day’s work.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Jungite…
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

…aut…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…perite.
Photo: Barb Colligon

 

8 Comments

  1. Made my heart swell with pride. Callings oneself a Union fan is not just superficial. Well done.

  2. Is it March yet?

  3. Great collection of pictures; well done!!

  4. Outstanding stuff. Well done all.

  5. I won’t show this to my wife. She would tear up for sure. Great work!

  6. I did tear up (not his wife) and had the same thought, is it March yet? or at least President’s Day weekend? I’m amazed you were able to narrow the choices down to those – I have seen what great photos Earl, Barb and all the rest of the crew take!

  7. awesom photos! keep it up! Is it opening tip off yet?

  8. Well done. Got a real kick out of it. My 4-year-old went to a game this season and wants to go to a game for his 5th birthday in March.

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