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.
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!