On Saturday, August 5, 2017, two Unified Teams took on a quest of venturing around Philadelphia before going head to head in a Unified Soccer Match. A unified team from Abraham Lincoln High School represented Philadelphia Union while a group from Special Olympics Texas came down to represent FC Dallas. At the end of the day, it was a Unified Philadelphia Union Takes Home 4th Straight Gold!
The day started with a double-decker bus tour around Philadelphia. Our athletes and partners, as well as our Texas guests, got to see South Philadelphia, Old City, and Center City as a tour guide pointed out various points of interest and history. After the tour, each group got to rest and relax before heading over to the Talen Energy Stadium where the evening games were planned. Our Unified group headed over to Talen Energy Stadium to soak in the pre-match fun at the Toyota Plaza where they walked around and competed against each other in an inflatable obstacle course. Both teams rejoined for a picnic dinner before heading into the stadium to watch the first-team game. After an exciting game, ending in a 3-0 Victory for Philadelphia Union, the Unified Philadelphia Union had high spirits that their game would end in the same fashion.
After a quick warm up session, the match between a Unified Philadelphia Union and a Unified FC Dallas began. The first half was intense with an early goal from Alvin Bayoh on the Unified Philadelphia Union (UPU) team, Alvin’s goal was quickly followed by a goal from Unified FC Dalls. Derrick Spence (UPC) was quick to reply to the Unified FC Dallas goal with a goal of his own, making the score 2-1. A Unified FC Dallas fought hard and a few minutes later scored another two goals, tying the score and surpassing the Unified Philadelphia Union. Before the first half was over, Edwin Teah (UPU) was able to sneak in two quick goals, bringing a lead to the Unified Philadelphia Union with a new score of 4-3.
Half time brought a quick pep-talk from Coach Michael Turchi and surprise pep-talk from Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtain. Curtain had been watching the first half and wanted to let the team know that they had been playing great and to keep it up to secure another win for Philadelphia Union that evening. The pep-talk must have hit home, because, within the first two minutes, Brandon Velez-Roa scored, making the score 5-3. Determined to catch up, the Unified FC Dallas came back and scored another goal, the new score was 5-4 Philadelphia. The second half saw both teams battle it out to. Texas had the goal of tying it up again and Philadelphia had the goal of winning. In the end, Philadelphia came out on top with Sam Desir scoring the last goal of the game, closing it out with a final score of 6 Unified Philadelphia Union – 4 Unified FC Dallas. Both teams were awarded medals based on finish by their host MLS Soccer Team coach, Jim Curtain and FC Dallas Head Coach, Óscar Pareja.
Our team thought the night was over, but the Sons of Ben (who also celebrated their 10th anniversary that evening), had one last surprise for our team. They made a Play Unified Banner with each plauyer’s number on it. Our athletes and partners got to sign one that would remain at Talen Energy Stadium and got to take another home to hang up in their gym. After a long-exciting day, it was time to go home and get a good night’s rest.
Thank you to the wonderful partnership between ESPN, MLS Works, and Special Olympics for making events like this happen. We would also like to thank Philadelphia Union and the Sons of Ben for being such gracious hosts to us the entire day and giving us an experience we will never forget.
Click here for all of our photos from the day!
August 9, 2017: Ashton Leber for Philadelphia Union: Philadelphia, FC Dallas Special Olympics Unified teams compete in special match following first-team game
August 7, 2017: Trey Madara for Trey Madara Photography: Special Olympics // Philadelphia Union vs FC Dallas
On Monday, July 31, 2017, athlete, Jeremiah Ellis, partner, Robert Esquilin, and coach Susie Reece from Universal Audenried Charter High School left for the fourth annual Unified Sports All-Star soccer match. This year, the festivities and game took place in Chicago, Illinois. Jeremiah and Robert represented Philadelphia Union during the week. Below is the roster of athletes and partners representing the Eastern Conference All-Stars:
Athlete, Partner | Club Representing |
Jeremiah Ellis, Robert Equilin | Philadelphai Union |
Félix Berthiaume, Mathieu Hevey | Montreal Impact |
Aaron Allen, Ashtin Burbank | New England Revolution |
Brandon Lutz, Megan Young | Columbus Crew SC |
Antonio Guzman, Lyndsay Price | Atlanta United |
Mark Jerabek, Colin Iverson | Chicago Fire |
DAniel Davila, Umar Muftau | New York City FC |
Brian Curci, Jake Mulcahey | New York Red Bulls |
Charles Barley, Rodrigo Canas-Pena | D.C. United |
Sidge Taylor, Bailey Hubbard | Orlando City SC |
Stephanie Panousis, Callum Denault | Toronto FC |
After some time on the field and meeting the team at Chicago Fire’s practice facility, the Unified All-Stars had dinner at Lou Malnati’s and had Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. The next day, the Unified All-Stars took to the streets to do some sightseeing in Chicago before their game.
Both teams came out strong with great movement up and down the field. Ultimately, it was Umar Muftau (East, representing New York City FC) who scored first and gave the Eastern Conference a halftime lead. After halftime, the Western Conference came back with back-to-back goals from Jesus Tepole and Luke McPhee, both representing Seattle Sounders. It looked grim for the east, but with two minutes to spare, Umar Muftau scored his second goal of the night. The Unified All-Star match ended in a 2-2 draw. Special Olympics had a live feed of the game on Facebook Live (video here).
On the last day, the Unified All-Stars gave back to the Chicago community during MLS Work’s Day of Service. Jeremiah and Robert kicked off their shoes and joined the group to help clean up a beach. After serving the community, the Unified All-Stars were able to relax and watch the MLS All Star vs. Real Madrid match. The last activity the Unified All-Stars participated in was a halftime ceremony during the match. After the game, it was time to get some rest and part ways the next day.
Thank you, Jeremiah, Robert, and Susie for representing Philadelphia Union and Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia so well!
2017 MLS All-Star Unified Soccer Experience
Philadelphia Union with two representatives in the 2017 Special Olympics Unified MLS All-Star Match
East draw West in Special Olympics Unified All-Star match
MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, is dedicated to addressing important social issues and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS WORKS seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. MLS WORKS has helped to improve the communities where we live and play our games by executing programs and campaigns that focus on cancer research and treatment, anti-discrimination, community service, health and wellness, environmental sustainability and accessibility to soccer. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @MLSWORKS.
ESPN is proud of its relationship with the Special Olympics, which spans more than 30 years. It is the global media partner for the 2017 Special Olympics World Games, the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, and previously provided multi-platform coverage of Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles (LA2015) as well as coverage of the 2011 World Games in Athens on ESPN3. Since 2013, ESPN has been the Global Presenting Sponsor and Official Media Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.
The 2017 All-Star Exchange Game features two Audenried Students, Jeremiah Ellis and Robert Esquilin. This is the 4th Annual All-Star Exchange game held through a partnership between MLS, ESPN and Special Olympics, the Unified All-Star Exchange match is scheduled in conjunction with the MLS All-Star Game, providing MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand the talents and abilities of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners. Ellis and Esquilin will represent the Philadelphia Union as part of the All-Star East Team and join other Special Olympics athletes and partners representing a New England Revolution, Columbus Crew SC, New York City FC, Chicago Fire, NY Red Bulls, DC United, Toronto FC, and Orlando City SC.The 2017 All-Star Exchange Game will take place in Chicago, Illinois for a week filled with soccer, sportsmanship and some volunteering in the community. Ellis and Esquilin will be accompanied by their teacher and coach, Susie Reece. Our small crew leaves on Monday, July 31st and returns on Thursday, August 3rd – hopefully with a gold medal!
Keep an eye on Twitter as the game happens on Wednesday, August 2nd. Follow us (@SOPAPhilly), MLS Works (@MLSWORKS), and ESPN (@ESPNCitizenship) as we all provide coverage during the game!
In the News: Special Olympics All-Star Soccer Match presented by MLS Works & ESPN
MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, is dedicated to addressing important social issues and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS WORKS seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. MLS WORKS has helped to improve the communities where we live and play our games by executing programs and campaigns that focus on cancer research and treatment, anti-discrimination, community service, health and wellness, environmental sustainability and accessibility to soccer. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @MLSWORKS.
ESPN is proud of its relationship with the Special Olympics, which spans more than 30 years. It is the global media partner for the 2017 Special Olympics World Games, the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, and previously provided multi-platform coverage of Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles (LA2015) as well as coverage of the 2011 World Games in Athens on ESPN3. Since 2013, ESPN has been the Global Presenting Sponsor and Official Media Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, which bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.
On Thursday, June 29th, Abraham Lincoln High School‘s Unified Soccer team was invited to a Media Day with the Philadelphia Union in preparation for their Unified Exchange game on Saturday, August 5th against FC Dallas. In an ever-growing partnership with ESPN and MLS Works, Special Olympics participates in a Unified Exchange program which provides opportunities for Unified soccer teams to participate in a 1st Team MLS experience. Unified soccer teams, comprised of players with and without intellectual disabilities, travel from their home city to other MLS markets to compete in exhibition matches with their Special Olympic counterparts. In Philadelphia, our Unified Team becomes the Unified Philadelphia Union! Unified matches are scheduled in conjunction with MLS club matches, providing MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand the talents and abilities of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners.
The day did not end there! After getting official letters and jerseys, it was time to pose for official Philadelphia Union headshots and moving headshots in their new uniforms to be broadcast on the big screen on August 5th against FC Dallas’ United team. As if they could not be any more excited, the Lincoln team got to watch the first team practice – they were so inspired by their practice, they started practicing alongside them! As the sun started to bring the heat, our student-athletes got a chance to cool off with a tour of the players’ home away from home and toured the building that houses Philadelphia Union’s training, nutrition, and relaxation facilities used by the professional soccer players.
On the ride home, many athletes shared Lincoln striker, Brandon’s sentiment about how honored he was to be contracted by the Philadelphia Union and how excited he was to play in the Unified Exhibition in August. Kelvin, another Lincoln athlete, even remarked how today was the best day of his life!
Join us on August 5th as we watch Philadelphia Union take on FC Dallas and then stay afterward to watch the Unified Exchange Game! The Philadelphia Union/FC Dallas game starts at 7:00 pm and the Unified Exchange Game is right after (on the field!). If you purchase a ticket through this link, you will be sitting among the Unified Star Players! Tickets are $35.00 each and can be purchased here.
It was a hot and muggy evening for a soccer game, but that did not slow down our Unified Team or the Philadelphia Union. On July 31, 2016 prior to the Philadelphia Union vs Real Salt Lake match, our George Washington High School Unified Soccer Team was honored for their win against the Colorado Rapids earlier in May. The George Washington Unified Soccer Team competed as the Philadelphia Union during an exchange game made possible by the collaboration of Special Olympics, MLS Works and ESPN. Each year, through the Unified Sports soccer exchange program, Unified soccer teams from MLS cities travel to other MLS markets to receive training from MLS players and coaches, as well as compete in exhibition matches with their Special Olympics counterparts in that MLS market. Special Olympics Philadelphia has had the amazing opportunity to represent the Philadelphia Union. In the last three years as our Unified Team has taken on a Unified D.C. United, Unified NJ Red Bulls, and this year, a Unified Colorado Rapids.
As the Philadelphia Union warmed up, our Unified Team watched from the sidelines as they also prepared to walk on another MLS Field. As they entered the field, the journey of their trip to Denver to played on the jumbo screen. The video, which originally aired on The State of the Union on June 17, 2016 can be viewed here. Our athletes, partners, coaches, and some lucky supporters made their way onto the field with huge smiles on their faces to be recognized. As they stood midfield, they waved to a roaring crowd. As our Unified Team exited the field, the Sons of Ben, the Philadelphia Union Fan Club, gave each member of the team a Sons of Ben Membership Pin to officially integrate them into the pack. After an amazing experience on the field, our Unified Team took to the stands to cheer on the Philadelphia Union as they took on rivals Real Salt Lake. During halftime, our Unified Team met up with Marisa Pilla, Host/Sideline Reporter for Philadelphia Union Pregame Live, to grab a quick picture on set!
ESPN and MLS WORKS hosted the 3rd Annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Match on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA at 5:30 PM PT, just two days before the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. Justin Sherlock and Tariq Fontroy, two students from School of the Future represented the Philadelphia Union as they participated on the Eastern Conference All-Star Team.
Number | Player | Position | Team Representing |
1 | James Day Keith | F | New England Revolution |
2 | Julia Marie Keith | M | New England Revolution |
3 | Aaron B Elman | F | Columbus Crew SC |
4 | Emily Schultz | M | Columbus Crew SC |
5 | Ahmed Wague | D | NYC FC |
6 | Andeano Sewell | F | NYC FC |
7 | Ethan Harvey | F | Chicago Fire |
8 | Mark Jerabek | F | Chicago Fire |
9 | Peter H Poole | F | New York Red Bulls |
10 | Jason Poole | M | New York Red Bulls |
11 | Justin Sherlock | D | Philadelphia Union |
12 | Tariq Fontroy | F | Philadelphia Union |
13 | Kevin Guzman | M | DC United |
14 | Dennis Mendizabal | M | DC United |
15 | Brandon Groave | D | Toronto FC |
16 | Brianna Cuzzolino | D | Toronto FC |
17 | Cesar Barreto | Orlando City SC | |
18 | DAniel Huertas | Orlando City SC |
The Eastern Conference All-Stars faced the Western Conference All-Stars whose team included:
Athletes and Partners | Team Representing |
Matthew Weiser & Hayden Dyson | Houston Dynamo |
Scott & Jonathan Stephens | Colorado Rapids |
Laurence Fairchild & Douglas Sullivan | FC Dallas |
Tyler C Melhorn & Walter Hayes | Sporting Kansas City |
Malik Amir Franks & Rafael Lopez | LA Galaxy |
Raymond Morrow & Matthew McMillens | Portland Timbers |
Boston Iacobazzi & Ivan Yin | Real Salt Lake |
Cody Peterson & Nikole Cruz | Seattle Sounders FC |
Eli Thorton & Joel Aguado | San Jose Earthquakes |
A Unified Soccer Team from George Washington High School will be participating in the 2016 MLS Works Exchange Game as the Philadelphia Union! On Saturday, May 28th, our athletes will face off a Unified Colorado Rapids team at 9:00pm at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Major League Soccer (MLS) started a relationship with Special Olympics and together created the Unified Exchange Program in 2013 to promote inclusion at all levels of soccer. Through the MLS Unified Exchange Program, Special Olympics athletes in an MLS city form a team. From there, Unified soccer teams travel to other MLS soccer markets and receive training from MLS players and coaches and compete against each other on the same fields the pros play on.
Special Olympics Unified Sports® creates an opportunity for people without intellectual disabilities to join in the sports experience by playing on a team with athletes with intellectual disabilities. Not only do the players all have fun, but attitude change and transformation happens on the playing field and the experiences create lifelong friendships.
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.
Edwin Leon, Partner (left) and Angel Rose, Athlete (right) in Denver, Colorado participate in the Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Match
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 two Northeast High School students who participate in our Interscholastic Unified Sports program, represented Philadelphia in the second annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Match, presented by MLS WORKS. Athlete Angel Rosa and partner Edwin Leon headed to Denver, Colorado to participate in the match as part of the East Team who competed against the West Team. The match held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park featured a 7-v-7 East vs. West All-Star format. Each Unified Sports soccer team wore uniforms provide by ADIDAS and played a 7-v-7 match consisting of two 20-minute halves.
MLS Celebrities included MLS on-air talent Brian Dunseth who provided commentary and interviews with both players and coaches, Colorado Rapids players acted as on-hand coaches, and LA Galaxy and U.S. National Legend Landon Donovan presented the athletes and partners with medals after the game.
About Interscholastic Unified Sports
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Interscholastic Unified Sports® (IUS) is a fully-inclusive co-ed high school sports program which successfully facilitates social inclusion by bringing together a proportional number of students with and without disabilities on teams for training and competition. By providing opportunities for students with all types of disabilities and without disabilities to participate in sports meaningfully and by engaging other students in the school community, Interscholastic Unified Sports helps promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect.