The Philadelphia Union first team spent last week at the new 76ers Fieldhouse located in Wilmington, Del., preparing for this week’s training camp and scrimmages in Clearwater, Fla.
The veterans of the team welcomed the new signings and Union II players, all were ready to play and challenge each other. In the middle of the week, the team held an “Open Practice” for fans to come and enjoy a preview of this season’s team.
I decided to show all the images from this past week in black and white, to showcase the intensity, hard work, strength and drive the players must have in order to make it to the field at Talen. The fans bring the color to the team.
Drills
Sergio Santos looks for the opportunity to steal the ball during defensive drills with Matej Oravec.
Olivier Mbaizo used his arm and hip to keep the ball from Matt Real during defensive drills.
Aurelien Collin and Andrew Wooten battle for the ball during defensive drills. Matt Real and Olivier Mbaizo are pictured fighting it out in the same drill.
Sergio Santos receives the ball with his chest while Matej Oravec is ready to challenge him for possession.
Cole Turner leans into Jack de Vries in an attempt to shield him from the ball.
Just because it is preseason doesn’t mean that they take it easy. Turf beads fly, showing the strength and aggression the boys are bringing to the field already.
Joe Bendik moves into a sliding position to defend the shot on goal.
Open practice
Jack Elliot signs a young fan’s jersey after the open practice.
A young fan challenged Alejandro Bedoya, saying he could keep the ball from Bedoya. This fan was thrilled when Ale got a ball and played with him for a few minutes.
Andrew Wooten and Sergio Santos shar a few laughs while in line to greet fans. Sergio is autographing one fan’s soccer ball.
Scrimmage
Matej Oravec was getting ready to receive the ball before Alejandro Bedoya stretched out to deflect it.
Kai Wagner and Andrew Wooten challenge each other during play on Friday before the end of the training session.
Ilsinho in his element, being Ilsinho, against Jack Elliot during a scrimmage.
Warren Creavalle prepares to receive the ball with his chest before taking it to goal.
Alejandro Bedoya smiles during the scrimmage while Jack Elliot and Aurelien Collin keep eyes on the play up field.
Nathan Harriel is determined to win the ball from Jack de Vries using speed, strength and upper body defending tactics.
Matt Freese grabs the ball as it flies over Kacper Przybylko’s head.
During the last scrimmage before heading to Florida, the guys were all in already showing why they should be a starter.
Working on foot skills with touches on the ball.
Springs
Sprints are taken seriously, working on speed and power from the first step through the last.
Coach Curtin
Coach Curtin and Ilsinho share a few words and a smile during practice on Friday.
Coach Curtin jokes with Andrew Wooten and Aurelien Collin after practice while Sergio Santos enters the conversation.
Thank you, Marjorie!
These are fantastic.
Very nice! The black and white definitely add to the action! Also brings to mind its still winter! Great idea!
Great, great pictures!!
Great captures, Marjorie!
Great pics!!
Great photos!! B/W is a good choice!
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It looks like there are too many arms in the Harriel/DeVries shot from the Scrimmage pics!!! ;~)
Damn- I’ve been coming here daily since around the end of the 2011 season and I think this is the finest photo essay yet. Some great action shots and the black-and-white adds a real dramatic touch. Really well done.
Newer fan, but really enjoying the photos capturing the energy and dedication of the team…great job by all…thanks!!!