From two home losses in a row to Gazdag making history, it was a tumultuous week for the Philadelphia Union and Union II
It was a roller coaster of emotions for the Philadelphia Union and their fans during the past week. Let’s take a look at all that transpired for both the first and second teams.
Two Home Losses
Going into Saturday, April 27th, the Union were the last undefeated team in MLS, had a remarkable home win record, and tons of momentum. Subaru Park was a fortress and a difficult venue for the visiting teams to get a win. Unfortunately, after having enjoyed a bye week, the Union faced a strong foe in Real Salt Lake, who had been playing in top form. While Daniel Gazdag scored in the second half to level the score and tie Sebastien Le Toux for most goals scored in all competitions, RSL scored a heartbreaking goal in the 89th minute to take the lead, which would hold and hand the Union their first loss of the regular season.
As a Sons of Ben member, I was highly disappointed to see people leaving when the go-ahead goal was scored, and there would be seven minutes of stoppage time. The Union indeed would have chances, but could not capitalize. Yes, the wind got knocked out of the fans with the goals against, but the Union did not necessarily play terribly. It was a disappointment to lose, but the postponed match with the struggling Seattle Sounders loomed on Tuesday, and could be a chance to get back on track.
Photos from the Seattle match (take 2), courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
Alas, it was a disastrous end to the month of April for the Union. On Tuesday, April 30th, the Union went down 3-0 in the first half with the game that had to resume in the sixth minute from early March. With the rules that limited the teams’ lineups, Coach Jim Curtin had his hands tied with a lot of the lineup. Changes were made at halftime, and the team came out stronger and managed to get back two goals within two minutes by Jack McGlynn and Daniel Gazdag, sending the crowd into a frenzy. With that goal, Gazdag surpassed Sebastien Le Toux for the all-time leading goal scorer honor. The Union would almost level it, but came up just short, losing 3-2.
Cryptic Posts and Speculation
During the Seattle game, Jose Martinez posted on his Instagram and Twitter a cryptic message in Spanish that seemingly was venting his frustrations. The next morning, Andre Blake, who did not play against Seattle, posted on his Instagram story, “When you are no longer happy, it’s time.” These two posts caused wild speculation on social media,with people thinking Andre wanted out. When asked about Jose’s post in his weekly presser, Jim Curtin noted that he is well aware of what is going on with his players and has a finger on the pulse with how much they are around each other. He did not explicitly mention Blake, but he indicated he preferred any issues to stay in house instead of being aired out in social media.
A More Positive Step
The Union traveled to Washington, D.C. to face D.C. United on Saturday, May 4th. With how much the Union have scored the last few years against D.C. and how strong the traveling support has been, there was some hope this could get them back on track. The Union would go down 2-0 in the first half, however, and the fans were wondering if it would be another letdown. The Union got back in business when Alejandro Bedoya scored a beauty of a goal off a Kai Wagner set piece. Late in the second half, the equalizer came in the form of an absolute golazo from Jack McGlynn from a fantastic ball from Nate Harriel. The end result would be a draw, giving the Union a much needed point on the road, but still a sense of lost points in they could play a complete game.
Of note, Andre Blake was ruled out due to caution, and Jose Martinez came in as a sub in the second half. Goalkeeper Andrew Rick was signed to a first team contract, which was all but a sure thing at some point anyway as he was clearly earning it with his strong performance with Union II. Leon Flach made his first start after returning from a lengthy injury.
Clockwise from top left: Jack McGlynn celebrates his goal; GK Andrew Rick got signed to a first team contract; Jose Martinez greets young fans Elliott and Olivia Slocum; the traveling supporters; Alejandro Bedoya celebrating his goal with Kai Wagner, who had the assist. Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Union II Victorious at Home
On Sunday, May 5th, the Union II hosted Huntsville City FC in yet another rainy day of soccer. They would go scoreless in the first half, despite being the dominant team and outshooting Huntsville City by an 11-1 margin. They would emerge victorious after a second half goal by CJ Olney and then a PK by Frankie Westfield. This game marked the first start for newly signed forward Leandro Soria. Speaking of signings, on April 29th it was announced that midfielder David Vazquez was signed to a homegrown contract with the Union, so time will tell if he gets to make an appearance with the first team. With the international competitions coming up and many first team players being gone, he may just have his opportunity soon.
Photos of CJ Olney and Frankie Westfield courtesy of Philadelphia Union II. Photos of the Bridge Brigade and BR the cat by Jillian Almoney.
Off the Pitch Updates – Union Yards and Traveling Support
The game day atmosphere prior to the RSL game was fantastic with the combined forces of the Sons of Ben tailgate and the reopening of Union Yards. The SOBs held their “Stache Bash” and St. Baldrick’s head shaving event. Kyle Almoney will be detailing more about this in an upcoming feature. Union Yards opened with their indoor-outdoor beer hall and a huge crowd. Dave Leno and Sage Hurley held a “chalk talk” prior to the game, and the crowd was hyped. Despite the loss, the crowd was still plentiful post-game at Union Yards, which stays open until 11 PM. Many were watching the Phillies on the many screens provided. This would also be the case on Tuesday. While there was an unofficial SOB tailgate, Union Yards was open and had a decent crowd for a weekday, and a huge crowd post-game as many were watching the 76ers in overtime, which would end in a stunning victory, much to the elation of the crowd.
On Saturday May 4th, a large contingent of Union faithful made their way to D.C., though definitely not the largest I have seen at a game there. Some attended the Screaming Eagles (D.C. supporter group) tailgate, while others gathered at the area bars. Away days can bring out the most cohesive support, though this time many Union fans were seated and silent in the away supporters’ section, much to the displeasure of some. Bedoya scoring would get the group going, and the support improved, and the crowd went wild when McGlynn scored. D.C. fans started leaving and the Union crowd did the obligatory fire drill/beat the traffic chants. While unable to chant “Our House in the Middle of D.C.” that night, some digs were still appropriate. Unfortunately, the night would not be without some trashy behavior by the locals. After McGlynn scored, he was pelted with some garbage by the United supporters, and after leaving the stadium, a Union fan was jumped by a man who ripped his Union jacket right off him, and ran off with it. Overall, however, the trip was a much needed step in the right direction for getting this team and this fan base out of the depths of despair.
Fan photos by Jillian Almoney from Seattle and D.C. games
The Union return to Subaru Park on Saturday May 11th to face Orlando City. The Union II are off until Sunday May 19th, when they travel to New England Revolution II.
The One Team We Agree On 
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