Photographer Marjorie Elzey shares her perspective from Saturday’s season opener.
The 2022 season kicked off on February 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Subaru Park. The game ended in a 1-1 tie, and was not the result the team or the fans had hoped for after all the hype going into the season.
The Union debuted a new kit showcasing the stripe that was prominent on past kits. Before the match, a moment of silence was held in honor of Ukraine and Ashli Rice sang “Lift Every Voice And Sing” for Black History Month. The club also started a new tradition with a huge drum that will be struck by a special guest each game. The first to have the honor was Sebastian Le Toux, the first Ring of Honor member and beloved retired player for the Union. During the pregame festivities, the River End welcomed Mikael Uhre to the Union with a chant shared from his previous club, Brøndby, a club in the Danish Superliga.
On the field, it was a lackluster performance to start the season. They showed a lot of room for improvement, making mistakes that at one point cost them a goal. Jose Martinez was one of the biggest highlights for the boys in blue, playing a great game in all areas. Cory Burke and Kai Wagner also had strong games. The fans were ready to cheer and chant for the team. In true Philly fashion, they let the referees know they didn’t like the way they were calling the game.
Mikael Uhre interacts with the River End during the home opener.
Sebastian LeToux and Phang open the season with the newest edition to the Union, the giant drum. Like the 76ers have a bell ringing ceremony before the game, what could be more fitting than a drum at the Union?
The Philadelphia Union took on Minnesota United for the opening of the 2022 MLS season.
Jakob Glesnes heads the ball off a corner from Kai Wagner.
Cory Burke and Bakaye Dibassy battling for control of the ball during the early in first half of the game.
Minnesota celebrates their goal, scored by Robin Lod, during the first half.
Daniel Gazdag makes a cut, pulling the Minnesota defender the wrong way while he continues to take the ball towards the goal.
Julian Carranza makes his debut for the Union against Minnesota United.
Cory Burke celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first goal of the 2022 season. Jakob Glesnes registers his first assist during the same play. This is Cory’s 19th goal for the club and Jakob’s third assist.
The Sons of Ben celebrate the fist Doop of the season, scored by Cory Burke.
Jose Martinez was focused and ready to play. He was an integral part of many of the plays during the game.
Both Carranza and Gazdag battle for a header against a Minnesota player.
Julian Carranza is taken down during physical play against Minnesota.
The coach for Minnesota, Adrian Heath gives direction to his players on the field when Sergio Santos and Paxten Aaronson are subbed in at the 73rd minute.
Jack McGlynn makes his season debut in the second half of the game.
The Union pleads their case to the referee during the game. Many fans and players felt the referee, Rubiel Vazquez, was not calling the game fairly.
Paxten Aaronson and Oniel Fisher battle on the field during the second half.
Daniel Gazdag lets out a scream in frustration during the second half. His opportunity for a shot on goal is defended by Minnesota.
Andre Blake makes a jumping save, one of 5 saves during the game, to keep it tied at 1-1.
A Ukrainian flag hangs in the River End, showing support for the people of Ukraine while they battle for their country against Russia.
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