PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand as the Philadelphia Union started out on a high note only to fall to Sporting Kansas City, 1-3. Here’s a look at what he saw.

The starting XI

Sheanon Williams getting pressure in the air from local lad Bobby Convey

Raymon Gaddis fakes left and goes right

Sons of Ben flying the flags

Keon Daniel had a busy night

Sebastien Le Toux could have had another

Michael Farfan bends it around the wall but not past Jimmy Nielsen

Gaddis presses forward

The Union come close again

Michael Lahoud kept busy in the midfield

Gabriel Farfan working through the midfield

It was a little cold at this years opening game

MacMath and Bessler tussle for the ball

Sebastien Le Toux works the endline

Michael Farfan makes a run toward the box

Brian Carroll fighting for position

Le Toux surrounded by blue

Jeff Parke looking to settle an incoming ball

Jimmy Nielsen with another save

Le Toux looks to flick-on the ball

Carroll winding up for a shot

Amobi Okugo getting air

Okugo under pressure

Parke with another clearance

Jack McInerney came off the bench

Roger Torres came in to try to add some spark

Conor Casey came in and made his presence known
For more photos, check out Paul’s Flickr page.
Author: Paul Rudderow
Paul's work has been used on numerous blogs, websites, and by the Philadelphia Zoo. He has covered Philadelphia Union since the inaugural season and has also photographed the Independence, Fever, Fury, USWNT, international friendlies, and more. You can check out his work on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/39285097@N02/.
Hackworth is “disappointed.” That was you’re plan last year and the league was on to you when it counted. If Conor and Soumare had such solid preseasons than play to their strengths. Union always struggle against bigger physical teams and they know the Union’s lousy coverage and marking will keep them in the game if they weather the storm. You and you’re game plan were not prepared to play for 90minutes and you weaknesses were exposed and it cost you 3 points at home on opening day!