Photo: Paul Rudderow

Philadelphia Union kicked off their 2020 MLS campaign at the end of February in Frisco, Texas.

They dropped that first game, a listless performance in front of a large crowd. Masks were nowhere in sight.

None in attendance—or who followed along on television—could have predicted the course the Union’s season would take from that date.

A sensationally entertaining draw against LAFC the next weekend.  A coronavirus pandemic that brought the season to a screeching halt for four months. Returning to action with a tournament in Disney World. Game after game—and win after win—in front of empty stadiums up and down the East Coast.

The high of the club’s first-ever trophy and postseason awards aplenty.

The low, just days later, of a pitiful playoff exit.

It’s an overused expression, but it really was a season unlike any other for the Union.

Looking back, and looking forward

This week, we at PSP will be taking a big-picture look back at the season that was.

Our writers will examine how the Union got here, including the moves that defined this year’s roster and some big performers who propelled the squad to new heights.

We’ll also break down the enormously consequential offseason that is to come.

Ernst Tanner has decisions to make about the roster, both incoming and outgoing. Our writers will look at possible transfer targets, review the new batch of Homegrowns already on their way, and get you set for a brand new competition for the Union: the Concacaf Champions League.

Of course, we’ll have one of our all-staff roundtables. And our awesome photographers will share their favorite shots from the last year.

We hope you read along with us this week and, as always, share your thoughts in the comments.