Philly Unified Team Wins 2nd MLS Exchange Game

On Saturday, August 1, 2015 members of our Martin Luther King High School Unified along with two students from Chester team played against players from Rowan University’s ‘SO College’ Unified group. a Unified New Jersey team at PPL Park prior to the Philadelphia Union game against the New York Red Bulls. Our athletes and partners arrived to a Union-fied locker room with Union jerseys with their last name on the back, shorts and socks. Once they changed, you could have easily mistaken them for the actual Philadelphia Union!

Prior to the starting whistle, some Philadelphia Union members came to wish our team luck including midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, forward Andrew Wenger, and defender Raymond Lee. With high fives all around, our team was ready to play! Our Unified Philadelphia Union team looked great on the field. During the first half, Philadelphia Union goalkeeper, John McCarthy, joined us on the bench laughing, talking, giving advice, and of course giving high-fives to our team. Luck was with us because as the whistle blew signaling the first half was over, the score was Philadelphia Union 3 – New York Red Bulls 0. All three goals were scored by athlete, Kenny Lamont.

During half time, Philadelphia Union midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin brought manager, Jim Curtin, along to see our athletes and congratulate them on their first three goals. The second half started off strong as we were leading the New York Red Bulls Unified team 3-0. After more thrilling play by both teams, the Red Bulls scored a goal, followed by another goal from our Unified team by Denzel McFadden. The Red Bulls were able to score one more time on our team leaving the final score Philadelphia Union 4 – New York Red Bulls 2.

After the Exchange Game, our Philadelphia athletes and partners were able to enjoy the Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls game. During halftime, both Unified teams were brought on the field one last time to be awarded their medals. Sons of Ben (Philadelphia Union’s fan club) gave both Unified Teams roaring applause and support as all athletes and partners received their award. Following the Union/Red Bulls game, both Exchange teams and their families were invited to a reception before heading home.