Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union: Season Opens With a Draw

By Patrick Lawson

Mar 5, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez (16) controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps forward Erik Hurtado (19) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez (16) controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps forward Erik Hurtado (19) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Union looked to get on the right foot for the 2017 season against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The Philadelphia Union kicked off the 2017 season with a 0-0 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. This game is the only meeting the two clubs will have this season.

Going into the match, the Whitecaps held the advantage over the Philadelphia Union with a 3-2-2 record all-time. The Union also have only won one season opener, the 2011 season opener.

Recap

Making debuts for the Philadelphia Union were forward Jay Simpson, defender Oguchi Oneywu, midfielders Haris Medunjanin, Fafa Picault and Derrick Jones. Jones made history by being the first player for the Union to come from the youth academy and the Bethlehem Steel.

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The game itself was a conservative effort from the Philadelphia Union. Jim Curtin’s side looked driven to at least get one point from this away game.

The Philadelphia Union registered seven shots with five landing on target. None of the shots really tested the Whitecaps goalkeeper.

Philadelphia Union forward Jay Simpson’s debut ended after 60 minutes of play and one shot on target. Simpson did not get much in the terms of service from the midfield during the game. Medunjanin played decently, but needs a game or two to adjust his play.

Jones was a bright spot during the game, playing a full 90. Jones made his presence known by tackling almost everything that came into the midfield.

Next: A Preview of the Union's Season

Vancouver’s only true chance came off a corner in the 65th minute. The ball was whipped in the Union’s box and bounced around till a Whitecap player turned it on net. The ball was goal bound, but was turned away off the line by Philadelphia Union defender and starlet last year, Keegan Rosenberry.

The back line was strong for the Philadelphia Union in their season opener. There were questions going into this year with the injury to defender Joshua Yaro. However, the back line of Fabinho, Oneywu, Marquez, and Rosenberry stood tall.

The Philadelphia Union host Eastern Conference Champions Toronto FC Saturday afternoon.

Yellow Cards:

Fabian Herbers (Union) and Matias Laba (Whitecaps)

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