PSP photographer Earl Gardner spent opening day with the Sons of Ben as they prepared for Saturday’s game, presented another successful Stache Bash, marched into PPL Park, and cheered the Union on to their first win of the season. Here’s a look at what he saw.

Volunteer Jon Foden helps get the grills set up

The flags are flying


The River End set-up begins early


Tifo is dusted off for the new season

Volunteers check-in Stache Bash attendees

These are the hard working folks that took care of feeding hundreds of SoBs

Everyone’s spirits were high

Stache’s were not the only theme of the day as fans were also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

From the ginger Chop Stache…

…to the Mario Stache…

…to the Mega Stache…

…to the modified ginger Chop Stache, everyone showed up looking for fun

Union VP Dave Rowan stopped by to check out the scene

Vilebred entertained the crowd

Chris Johnson prepares for some Bearfights

Bill Gusler calls out numbers for the raffle that helped raise a ton of money for charity

The SoB’s have brought the march into PPL Park back

John Langan leads the march into the stadium

The Union take the field as the River End cheers on

It was a beautiful day for a soccer match

Creepin’ on the Corner Creeps

Capo Andy Pace leads the chants

Scarves up for Four Leaf Clover

Fans were pumped for the match

Oh, Le Toux, Le Toux!!!
This kid loves the Doop song

1-0 Union

Arms and voices up!

Friends drink, sing, and cheer the Union on

The Horseman has returned to the River End

Tension builds as the clock runs down
“Don’t end like Portland, don’t end like Portland, don’t end like Portland…”

Joy has come back to River End…
.…As Seba’s lone goal led the Union to a 1-0 win over the Revolution.
The two-week wait to get back to PPL Park will be a long one.

For additional photos please check out Earl Gardner’s