On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Union took on the Columbus Crew at Subaru Stadium. This was the first time since March 2020 where capacity restrictions were not in place and the 12th man was able to take part in the match. It was Pride day at the Union and the team, along with many fans, sported rainbow watercolor jerseys for the warm-up with “Love Unites” printed on the back. Prior to the game, both teams walked out side by side to take the field. Ashli Rice sang “”Lift Every Voice and Sing” in honor of Juneteenth prior to singing the Nation Anthem. As I looked around, fans were cheering from their seats, press was back to its normal spots, the teams were sitting in their boxes and it felt as close to pre-quarantine as I think it could have felt.
The Union battled through the game and showed respect for the Columbus Crew in the press conference afterwards. During the match, four yellow cards were given, one goal was scored and Andre Blake walked away with his 500th MLS career save. Cory Burke made his 50th appearance while Olivier Mbaizo made his 25th career start and Alvas Powell made his debut on a substitution at the 90th minute. At halftime, Jim Curtain was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” and even had cake after the game. Overall, it was a great night for all who attended.
Andre Blake warming up before the game. He finished the match with 6th clean sheet and his 500th MLS career save.
Head coaches Jim Curtin and Caleb Porter take the field for the first Union home game without capacity restrictions since March of 2020.
Adam Booth waves a Juneteenth during the opening of the match while Ashli Rice sings, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Kevin Molino has is eyes on Kai Wagner while Kai gets himself in position to win the incoming ball.
Jack Elliott crosses the ball while under pressure.
Kai Wagner is focused on winning the ball after a block that stopped Columbus from taking a shot.
After knocking Kevin Molino off his feet, Jakob Glesnes powers ahead with the ball.
Kai Wagner reacts to the line judge, showing that he does not agree with the call on the field.
Pedro Santos jumps on the back of Cory Burke to stop a possible shot on goal. Santos received a yellow card for his actions on the play.
Crew goalie, Eloy Room, tries to make the save but Jamiro Monteiro’s shot on goal still finds its way through the legs of a defender into the the onion bag!
A worthy celebration as Jamiro Monteiro leaps into the air after nutmegging the Crew, as the ball went into the net. This is Jamiro’s 2nd goal of the season.
Fans celebrate with “Doop”!
Olivier Mbaizo focuses on the ball while getting ready to receive it midfield. Defender Olivier Mbaizo made his 25th career start tonight.
Liam Fraser slides in to steal the ball from Kacper Przybylko, hitting him in the ankle and causing a break in the play for a injury.
Jamiro Monteiro reacts to the officials after Kacper Przybylko is injured on a play.
Captain Alejandro Bedoya jumps to receive the ball with his chest during the game.
A series of images capturing Matt Real’s red card that was reviewed by VAR and rescinded to a yellow.
Jamiro Monteiro keeps the ball as Alexandru Irinel Matan pressures him. This play leads to a call that Monteiro doesn’t agree with.
Remembering what Jim Curtin said in the locker room before winning the shield, Sons of Ben members are asking a new question.
Alvas Powell, the Union’s newest signing, salutes the Sons of Ben as he leaves the field after his first minutes on the field.
Jim Curtin is served cake in honor of his birthday off of the Supporters’ Shield.
The Union’s next game is Saturday night at Soldier Field in Chicago where we will see former Union player Fabian Herbers. Then the Boys in Blue are off to Nashville to take on C.J. Sapong and Nashville SC. The action will be back in Subaru Park on July 17th after our last away game in this stretch against the New York Red Bulls.
Want to see more photos from the game? Follow me on Instagram (pitch.photos), Twitter (@MarjorieElzey), FB (@Pitch.photos).
A+ as always.
Thank you so much!
Great captures of the game, they really show the flow of the match!
Thank you, Paul. It was great to be back on the field and will see you at the next home game!