Heading down to Lincoln Financial Field yesterday, I knew there would be a great crowd for the Philadlelphia Union home opener, but I had no idea it would be what it was.
Knowing a few of the Sons of Ben, I should have.
McFadens at CBP was packed with Signal Blue and cheers and chants going throughout the bar. While not a typical Philly tailgate, it was still a great atmosphere. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like at PPL Park when it finally opens.
With Joe Biden in attendance, everyone assumed security was going to be a nightmare, and it was. Even though I was in line to get into the game 45 mins prior to first kick, I still missed the first 18 mins of game play, along with the first goal in Union history. I wasn’t alone though, as about half of the crowd was outside of the stadium when the first goal was scored.
Even though the game may have gotten off to a rough start, the atmosphere inside the Linc was incredible, especially in the SoB section. I’ve never been a part of anything like what I experienced last night, but I can’t wait to do it again. It was a workout, but with the Sons of Ben leading the chants, the entire stadium started to join in as the game went on. The ultimate compliment came when the players climbed into the section at the conclusion of the match.
As expected, in a Philly vs. D.C. game, it was rough and physical throughout the game, with yellow cards flying all over the place. D.C. United even threw in a red card for good measure. This game set the stage for what is sure to be a top rivalry in MLS, and the Union getting the first win in the series is huge.
The play on the field wasn’t that great, with the U being the youngest team in the league and D.C. entering the game having not scored a goal in their first two games. Thankfully, Sebastien Le Toux was prepared, as he scored not only the first goal in Union history, but the second and third as well, to nab the hat trick. He saved his best for last however, a goal on a free kick in the 80th minute that gave the Union the win.
With one more game at the Linc and another chance to pack in 35,000+, the Union have plenty of time to improve before their 2nd home opener at PPL Park. While the Eagle’s home is a fantastic stadium when 70,000 people are jammed in, it just feels a bit cavernous when it’s only half full. The Union management did a great job of packing in the fans (and throwing the D.C. United fans all the way up in the corner), it still felt a bit too large. With PPL Park having a capacity 18,500, it will have a more intimate feel for the team and will most likely be even louder than the Linc was last night, which is hard to believe.
I never thought soccer could be this big in Philadelphia, but after this first game, I’ve got high hopes that the Union will find a permanent place in the local sports scene.
