Sunday Morning Union Freekicks: Nearly

Video: Philadelphia Union-Real Madrid postgame analysis | The Goalkeeper | 07/24/2011
After the Union's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid finished up, I got together with The Inquirer's Marc Narducci to discuss what the game meant for the Union, and on a wider scale for soccer fans in Philadelphia.

Union's valiant effort falls short vs. Real Madrid | CSN Philly

The Union didn’t leave Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday with a win over storied Real Madrid. But they did leave with a respectable effort tucked firmly in their pocket.

Video: A festive night of soccer at Lincoln Financial Field | The Goalkeeper | 07/24/2011

Over 57,000 fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the international friendly between the Philadelphia Union and Real Madrid. My Philly.com colleague Jerry Gaul and I talked to some of them before the game.

The real meaning of Real Madrid's visit | The Goalkeeper | 07/24/2011

For those of you who went to the Union-Real Madrid game, and even for those of you who watched it on TV or online, ask yourself this: Did you have fun?

Real Madrid tops Union, 2-1 | Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/24/2011

So this is what one of the world's best soccer teams looks like. Real Madrid came to Philadelphia demonstrating the pace, the touch, the teamwork and, more important, the skill that has made it such an international soccer power.

57,035 see Union fall to Real Madrid – phillyBurbs.com : Soccer

PHILADELPHIA — The largest crowd to ever see a Philadelphia Union game witnessed a 2-1 win by visiting Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. A crowd of 57,305 packed Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night to see Madrid come out as victors courtesy a pair of early goals.

Recap: Crew join Union atop East after 1-0 win vs. Timbers | MLSsoccer.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew joined the Philadelphia Union atop the Eastern Conference on 31 points after a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night at Crew Stadium.

Getting my Union groove back on thanks to a few famous guests – pressofAtlanticCity.com: Soccer Blog

CHESTER, Pa. — A food piece I wrote for The Press of Atlantic City in September last year featured the opening sentence, "I needed to be with my people again." I was referring to returning to Italy for the second time in a few years, but I got the same vibe on Wednesday night while visiting PPL Park here for the Philadelphia Union vs. Everton friendly.

"IT WAS ENCOURAGING"  Union shake off early jitters against Real Madrid

“I think it’s just we started out a little slow, and the guys came together and talked about it,” said Keon Daniel. “We talked to each other and that was good for us.”

Union satisfied with effort in narrow defeat to Real Madrid | Philadelphia Union

PHILADELPHIA — This was a scenario Zac MacMath had gone over in his mind thousands of times. He would lie down in bed and dream about this mom…

Union show character in hard-fought loss to Real Madrid | Philadelphia Union

PHILADELPHIA — After giving up two goals in the first 11 minutes to Real Madrid in Saturday night’s World Football Challenge match at Lincoln Fina…

Real Madrid got real test from Union, says Kaká | Philadelphia Union

PHILADELPHIA — Back in 2006, Spanish defender Aitor Karanka played one season for the Colorado Rapids. Since then, Karanka, who’s now an assista…

Union accomplish their goals in successful week of friendlies | Philadelphia Union

PHILADELPHIA — The goals were always simple: perform well, avoid injuries, and enjoy the experience.The Union did all three of those things aga…

Recap: Real Madrid survive late Union rally, win 2-1 | Philadelphia Union

PHILADELPHIA — Real Madrid will leave the United States without any preseason losses — barely.Capping off a mostly dominant performance through th…