Photo: Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
It was an extremely tumultuous week for the Philadelphia Union and MLS as a whole. An eleventh hour CBA deal was preceded and followed by heavy snow, which blanketed the greater Philadelphia area, and most notably, PPL Park.
In order to fight the conditions, the Union front office wisely sought the help of the Philadelphia Eagles staff, who have a great deal of experience in dealing with the snow. Together, the crews were able to clear the snow from both the field and parking lots, and even came up with a nice video in the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adjK43GUj5M
While their efforts ultimately led to the Union’s underwhelming draw, the groundskeepers’ efforts were greatly appreciated by fans, players, and front office staff alike. Their work was ultimately recognized as they were named honorary captains before the opener.
Honorable Mention: Brian Carroll and Danny Cruz
Before the 2015 season could start, a new collective bargaining agreement had to be sorted out. Given how far MLS has come since the last CBA, many felt that the players had a strong case for free agency, higher salary caps, and increased minimum salary thresholds, among other things.
There was a great deal of pressure riding on these negotiations, particularly because of a nationally televised opener between expansion sides Orlando City SC and NYCFC that ended up drawing over 62,000 spectators.
While the results of the final agreement may be debatable in how they will affect the league’s future, the bottom line is that the MLS Player’s Union and the league were able to get a deal done in time for the league to start its 20th season on time.
As Philadelphia’s representatives to the Player’s Union, Brian Carroll and Danny Cruz played a key role in the negotiations. They both receive an honorable mention as a gratitude for their efforts.
Both great choices!
Classy gesture by the organization to honor the folks who made it possible to play and watch. The other group are those who de winterized, cleaned and fired up the concessions stands. If you ate or drank anything, . . . .
First match of the 2015 campaign…and our player of the week is The Grounds Crew…the fucking grounds crew!!!!!! The worst part of it is; it’s true.
at the 11 second mark isn’t that Nando driving the tractor our newest striker is part of the player of the week team.
Very nice job by all! Tip of the hat the hat to the stadium crew is well deserved!!! How was the beer garden…I came from work right to my seat….so missed it!