Mwanga scores in extra time.

Danny Mwanga scored his first goal for the Union in extra time to earn a 1-1 draw at home against F.C. Dallas.

The Union today played excellent Football. I say "Football," because for the last six games we have been playing "Soccer." Dallas got on the board first in the 13th minute when Jeff Cunningham found Atiba Harris at the top of the penalty area.

The Union controlled play throughout the game. They totalled 21 shots overall and Dallas keeper, Kevin Hartman, made some tremendous saves to keep them ahead. Seitz played his best game yet for the Union and the back four were a wall. We lasted 59 minutes until our first yellow card and managed to keep all 11 men on the pitch for the entire game. The passing was crisp and the Union controlled the game.

Moreno and Le Toux were phenomenal up front for the Union. They created havoc at every chance. The midfield dominated possession all game and the back four were stellar. What was most important was the fact that they played football. They were in possession most of the game and all the passing was controlled and spot on. Yes, there were a few errand passes, but overall I am proud of the way they played. They showed pose and maturity the entire game. Nowhere were the mistakes of the previous game. I came away from this game with hope and satisfaction.

This was the game Union fans were waiting for. Yes, they tied at home. But this was the game we expected to see at Seattle, Toronto and LA. This is the team that without mistakes is our Philadelphia Union! They do not stop, quit or give in. They fight, do not forget that we have scored 3 goals a man down. When there are no stupid penalties or passes they play wonderful football.

I left the game tonight with my niece feeling pride. Pride for my team, they did not stop and in the end against one of the best defenses in football they stole a point. It was a great walk to the car. I hope one day I can turn the car radio on and hear a UNION post game show on the radio. Congratulation to the Union. I am proud of them and after Mwanga's goal they went and celebrated a little but wanted to get back to the game because they wanted all 3 points. The "Sons of Ben" were in tremendous voice tonight and rallied the team on. I look forward to the next game at home, the first at our new PPL Park.

Until next time,

GO UNION!!!

P.S. LET'S GO FLYERS!!! Way to go Flyers on becoming the 4th team in sports history to come back from being down 3-0 and win a seven game series.

The Philadelphia Union have announced that Celtic F.C. will come to PPL in Chester this summer to face the Union in a friendly. Celtic will replace the game that was to be played by Valencia on July 14Th at 8:00PM. To have a team the caliber and history of Celtic F.C. come play is a true treat to Union supporters.

Celtic came in 2nd place this year in the Scottish Premier League to it's hated rivals Rangers. The "Old Firm" match between the two clubs is one of the most heated rivalries in all of European football. Celtic have a long and successful history. In their 122 year history they have won 34 Scottish Cups and 42 League Championships. They also have a strong following of supporters in the region and America. It will be a tough ticket to come by.

I have to congratulate the Union front office by securing two delightful and anticipated friendlies in Celtic and Manchester United. It is a great chance for us to see European football at it's finest. Hopefully by then the Union will be up for their best football and we can put these past mistakes behind us. Hopefully Robbie Keane, one of Ireland's finest footballers, will still be wearing Celtic. At least the Union have hope!

In other news: Congratulation to Chelsea for winning the Premiership. As a Manchester United fan it was tough to watch the celebration and lose the league by one point. But, the table never lies and Chelsea deserve the championship, especially after the way they have just destroyed their opponents over the last couple of weeks. Now we wait for next year. Thankfully we have a wonderful tournament coming up called the "The World Cup" to keep us football busy.

Do not forget this Saturday the Union are finally at home on Saturday at 4PM to take on F.C. Dallas at the Linc. See you there.

Until next time,
GO UNION!

Manchester United Tour

Manchester United has announced it's North American tour. One of Europe's most fabled teams is coming back to North America. The Red Devil's played against Barcelona in Lincoln Financials' first football game years ago. Now they return.

Manchester United will start their tour in Toronto against Celtic on July 16Th. Then on July 21st they make their triumphant return to Lincoln Financial field in South Philadelphia to play the newest MLS team, the Union. July 25Th will see them travel to Kansas City to play the Wizards and capping off their tour on July 28Th against the MLS All-Stars in Houston.

This blogger is excited because although I am a Union season ticket holder, I am also a die hard Red Devil. To see the likes of Scholes, Giggs, Valencia, Rooney, Nani.... what a treat for Philadelphia and what a great way to make our mark on the world of Football. This is a wonderful day not only for the Union but also for the City to host one of the greatest football teams in the world. I already have my 4 tickets to the game which Kit will I wear.....that's a tough one.

Until next time,
GO UNION!

Union lose to L.A.

Eddie Buddle netted two goals and an assist to lead the L.A. Galaxy over the Philadelphia Union in L.A. Buddle now has nine goals in six games to lead the league and make National Team Coach Bradley, seriously consider adding him to the US Men's team roster.

DeLaGarza opened up the scoring for L.A. in the first minute on a lovely ball from Buddle. Buddle then scored in the 27Th minute when Union keeper Seitz deflected a cross in the box that fell to Buddle who had entirely too much space and time to knock it in. Then in the 44Th minute Buddle took a pass from Donovan to put L.A. up 3-0. Buddle was clearly offsides on the pass, but fortunately for L.A. the linesman did not notice.

The 45Th minute saw Red again for the Union. Union midfielder Fred, made a run and tried to split the Galaxy midfield. They closed the door on him and Fred hit the turf hard. It was a clean hit, no argument. Union player Stefani Miglioranzi, whether he did not like the challenge on Fred or was just frustrated on the night, came flying in, studs up, on the Galaxy players and was shown the straight red. Union down to 10 men.

What was more disturbing about this red card was that it was after the whistle in stoppage with criminal intent. Five games into the season the Union are 1-4. In those five games they have only played 2 of them with all 11 men on the field for 90 minutes. They were outplayed by a better team. They continue to be their worst enemy on the field and the lack of discipline has to reflect on Coach Nowak's coaching style.

Jack McInerney at least brought some pride back in the 84Th minute when he scored the Union's only goal on a wonderful run from Fred. The Union gave entirely too much space to L.A. in the game. The back four for the Union need to close those spaces down and mark their men. Final score: L.A. 3, Union 1.

Until next week,
GO UNION!