2012 - Philadelphia Union v Columbus Crew

2012.04.14 Philadelphia Union v Columbus Crew - PPL Park, Chester, Pa

It only took 3 seasons, but we made it to PPL Park, Chester, Pa...a 2 hour drive, one way... It is rare to have a weekend without a game for Mike so we took advantage of the afternoon game. Fortunately we ordered the tickets on Thursday, because by game time the match was sold out with 18,526 fans in attendance as the Union collected their first win of the season...

The Union would score the only goal of the game on a penalty kick by Gabriel Gomez, beating Columbus keeper Andy Gruenebaum. Feddy Adu, starting for the Union, sent a cross into the box, which hit the arm of Columbus defender Eric Gehrig, setting up the penalty kick...

Union keeper Zac MacMath saw little action in the first half, but in the second he made a spectacular flying kick save on a close range shot, which had the crowd on their feet cheering on the play...

The stadium was beautiful. The field conditions looked great. I was surprised that we were not supplied with a game program. I found out you had to go to customer services to obtain one. When I got there with 20 minutes left to the start of the game, that there were no more left! 

The Union through a Turkey Hill promotion have the Turkey Hill Field Pass. At 15 minutes into the game a message is posted on the board with a code to text. The code was PHILLY. If selected you had a chance to meet the Union players on the field after the game. Unfortunately we did not get selected. Even though few get to go I like the idea. Since we are from the Red Bull area and go to their games often, there is little to no chance of meeting players unless you are a season ticket holder ($). At least the Union offer all their fans a chance...

Toyota

Verizon magnet

DOOP!

While we were looking over the t-shirts and scarfs (lots of scarfs) everything had Doop! written on it. Found out that Doop is the team gaol song. Created by the Union  to be played after a goal is scored, it has caught on with the fans big time. After Gomez scored we experienced Doop!  After a goal is scored the loudspeakers and the Sons of Ben start in, it was awesome. A great experience, lots of fun...