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Union open practice at YSC Sports, Jan. 21, 2013

PSP photographer Earl Gardner was among the hundreds who attended the Philadelphia Union open training session on Monday at YSC Sports in Wayne. Here’s a look at what he saw.

Photo by Earl GardnerBakary Soumare and Chase Harrison in the background as Alex Mendoza (foreground), Charles Renken (behind left shoulder of Mendoza), and Tunde Ogunbiyi (facing Mendoza) look on.

Photo by Earl GardnerJohn Hackworth talks to the team before practice begins.

Photo by Earl Gardner Fitness Coach Kevin Miller gives instructions to the players

Photo by Earl GardnerPhilly’s favorite Frenchman is back where he belongs.

Photo by Earl GardnerThe signing of Conor Casey in the off-season is an exciting addition to the team.

Photo by Earl GardnerNewly drafted Don Anding had his first practice with the team.

Photo by Earl GardnerFellow draftee Stephen Okai should be familiar with Brendan Burke’s drills having played for Reading United.

Photo by Earl GardnerAmboi Okugo and Chris Albright have a laugh.

Photo by Earl GardnerBrendan Burke gets some drill going.

Photo by Earl GardnerArgentine midfielder Nicolas Medina practicing with the team.

Photo by Earl GardnerMichael Farfan surveys the scene.

Photo by Earl GardnerA record crowd watches Chris Albright move the ball.

Photo by Earl GardnerFans packed in wherever they could to see their first glimpse of the 2013 Philadelphia Union.

Photo by Earl GardnerChandler Hoffman & Jimmy McLaughlin battle for the ball.

Photo by Earl GardnerZac MacMath was one of four goalkeepers working out.

Photo by Earl GardnerGoalkeeper trialist Tunde Ogunbiyi, a graduate of Wissahickon High School, played at Boston College and Ocean City FC.

Photo by Earl GardnerUnion trialist Charles Renken on the ball.

Photo by Earl GardnerAmobi sets the ball up while Nicolas Medina looks on.

Photo by Earl GardnerCoach Hackworth gives instruction.

Photo by Earl GardnerRoger Torres came to preseason with something to prove.

Photo by Earl GardnerConor Casey looks on as the teams play some simulated games.

Photo by Earl GardnerRay Gaddis practices like he plays, giving 110 percent.

Photo by Earl Gardner“Don’t worry Coach, I got this!”

Photo by Earl GardnerHarrisburg-native Alex Mendoza?

Photo by Earl GardnerA healthy Bakary Soumare works the ball out of the back.

Photo by Earl GardnerChase Harrison, let go by the team in the off-season, fights for his spot.

Photo by Earl GardnerRay Gaddis moves the ball as Marfan and Casey look on.

Photo by Earl GardnerBakary Soumare is heads above the Union press Corp.

Photo by Earl GardnerAaron “Thor” Wheeler talks about his playing time in Finland.

Photo by Earl GardnerConor Casey discusses his future in the City of Brotherly Love.

For additional photos please check out Earl Gardner’s Flickr page.

15 Comments

  1. Exciting stuff! No kidding Wheeler certainly has the Scandinavian look going, doesn’t he.

  2. Thanks Earl! You answered all of my questions with your photos. It was great to see everybody today!

  3. Mendoza is the guy in the first picture in the middle with his back to the camera

  4. Great shots Earl!Hope the UNION post some on their site.

    Thanks again.

  5. Definitely cracked up at the Aaron “Thor” Wheeler caption. Awesome to see Soumare and Casey looking healthy… they look like they could wreck someone!

  6. Earl, as always you are the man. I hope Wheeler makes the team just so I can see a Thor tifo in the River End.

  7. Is there an open practice again today? Of course I have today off and not yesterday.

  8. Damn it, i’m pissed i had to miss this!! As usual, though, i am grateful for the photos. Awesome stuff! I’m really excited for the new season to begin (and i say that as a newly-minted Season Ticket Holder) 😀

  9. To those who attended…who looked good? Who looked not so good? Were any formations discernible?

  10. Great stuff Earl. First time I’ve felt excited about this season. Looking forward to the soul crushing disappointments to come.

  11. Was Williams at practice today not one shot of him smh.

  12. hello!,I like your writing very a lot! share we be in contact more about your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this space to resolve my problem.

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