Don't know how many caught last night's season kickoff game, but the Philadelphia Union looked atrocious. But for some sloppy finishing by Seattle (and a blown offsides call by the officials), that game could have been 5-0 or 6-0. While it may be too early to make definite statements, Philly's highly hyped draft class didn't look nearly ready to make a positive impact in 2010. For last night at least, it was a man's game and the Union had too many boys on the field. And a quick warning to those planning to head down to see PPL Park when it opens later this season. I'm sure it will be pretty to behold, but by the time it debuts this summer the nearby oil refineries in Marcus Hook will be in full fragrance. Also, Chester, PA is the venereal disease capital of America. So enjoy.
But without local bands and "Union Girls" how will they do that?! I will not be happy until PPL Park has a court built into it. I refuse to accept them as a Philly team until that happens. I'm also disappointed the deal with Rowan University fell through a few years ago to put this team in Glassboro, NJ. Then Philadelphia and RBNY could have played each other and never enter Pennsylvania or New York.
I saw the game. Philly looked like the expansion team that they are. Also a very tough place to play with 36000 Seattle fans going crazy. I don't think it helped their confidence moving forward. I saw the MLS Preview show on FSC...when discussing the Union they didn't mention the new stadium once! I couldn't believe it. Red Bull Arena has stolen all the thunder! I have relatives in Wilmington, DE and they also mentioned that the Chester area is a very undesirable location. I understand the stadium was built as a revitilization project.
PPL Park also isn't opening until July. I think they're letting Red Bull Arena take all the spotlight (God knows that franchise needs all the help they can get, given their history) and then in July they'll ramp up publicity for PPL. As far as Chester being kind of dirty, Harrison isn't Pismo Beach either.
hahaha! They're gonna need an awful lot of four leaf clovers this year!! I just hope someone with creativity comes up with an Anti-Philly chant using that terrible 4 Leaf Clover song/chant they use... preferably before July 31st! please!
You're gettin' beaten, that bears repeatin', Just like you've been beat before. First by Seattle, that night in the rain, And you've kept losin' again and a-gain. And though you'll keep tryin', There's no denyin', the future ain't lookin' bright. You're gettin' beaten, that bears repeatin', 'Cause your side is utter SHITE! We said, you're gettin' beaten, that bears repeatin', 'Cause the Union's F***IN' SHITE!!!
Harrison isn't much better. The general reaction I got from friends from New Jersey when I told them where RBA was going to be was, "bring a helmet."
I've been to Harrison. It's got its issues. My mom's side of the family is from Chester. If the place became a cesspool that would be a marked improvement. A helmet won't help you in Chester. Bring a tank ... and that stuff coroners stick under their nose to cut down on the corpse stench. Seriously, Marcus Hook reeks something awful.
From the experience many of us had with them at '07 MLS Cup, they are not exactly the nicest fans. And that's putting it mildly. Sarah
I followed their preseason (Ive been visiting their board to look at stadium porn). Basically, Id be amazed if they do better than last years red bulls. I wouldnt be surprised to see them start a game with 10 players because everyone else has been suspended with cards.
Even though they call Philly the "City of Brotherly Love" for the most part it's residents are neither loving or friendly. I did a four year surgical residency there and learned the hard way that it was a town to get away from as fast as possible. That's true of the average resident. When it comes to Philly sports fans they are much, mush worse and seem to pride themselves as being crud, nasty, foul mouthed and obnoxious---and that's when they are on their good behavior. The PHilly MLS franchise will be easy to disrespect.
We haven't played against them yet but I have a feeling there is going to be a heated rivalry between both teams.