On August 24, Philadelphia Union welcomes DC United to Talen Energy Stadium in a rematch of the club’s first-ever home game and win. Sebastien Le Toux’s hat trick was the most memorable moment that night, and the 2019 Union squad is ready to create new highlights that can live through history.
Speaking of history, August 24 is also Alumni Night, and 22 former Union players are returning home for a weekend of fun with fans and each other!
Last week, we released the first 11 players that will be back in a photo hunt — did you find everyone below?
Tranquillo Barnetta (2015-2016) - Along with Sebastien Le Toux, Quillo is the only other player to show up in Philadelphia and almost immediately cement himself as a club legend. Le Toux was a top performer for far longer, but the Swiss midfielder’s directness, effort, and embrace of the city meant he will always be welcome at Talen. Six goals and seven assists don’t tell the full story of a player that, along with Ale Bedoya, formed the core of the squad that took the Union back to the playoffs in 2016 after a four year absence.
Danny Califf (2010-2012) - During the first Union season back in 2010, Sebastien Le Toux brought the fireworks up front, but no player represented the spiritual bond between club and fans — the Rocky ethos of an everyman that makes it to the big stage and throws big punches when he’s there — like Califf. Whether it was crazy hair, wild celebrations, a tough guy approach to defending, or simply the joy that oozed from the big defender after wins, Califf might always be the quintessential Union player.
Sebastien Le Toux (2010-11; 2013-2016) - The legend. The one and only. Seba never seemed like he had the best touch or shot, but nobody in Union colors has ever been better at finishing chances. There was always a hint of magic, some force or connection between Le Toux and Philly fans, that guided his shots into the right places, or provided the perfect bounce of the ball into his stride. Le Toux is the all-time club leader in goals, assists, and almost every other offensive category. He’s the only name in the Union Ring of Honor. Seba+Philly forever.
Ale Moreno (2010) - Going into their debut season, the Union didn’t know what they would get up front. Sebastien Le Toux didn’t have a proven record of scoring and first overall SuperDraft pick Danny Mwanga was, well, a rookie. Enter Moreno, a guy that could get 5-8 goals and, more importantly, show the young bucks all the pro tips they would need to evolve into complete players.
Moreno only scored twice, but he notched seven assists in his sole Union season. His big personality and coy smile will keep him in fans’ hearts forever.
Gabriel and Michael Farfan (2011-2013) - The Union drafted Michael and acquired Gabe to form a dynamic duo of Farfans in their second season. Michael was nominated for the Rookie of the Year award after showing he could twist defenders into Philly pretzels on the wings, and Gabe proved adept at filling all midfield roles with ease.
Michael created more iconic moments — that chip against Real Madrid! The extra time goal vs Galaxy! — but it was the way both shy young men chose to embrace the city that keeps them front and center in many fans’ minds.
Brian Carroll (2011-2017) - The Union brought in Alejandro Moreno for their inaugural season, so when the big striker moved on it was time to pull another reliable vet from Columbus Crew. Brian “BC” Carroll was that vet, and he almost silently placed himself among Union greats with steady performance after steady performance. Win, lose, or draw, Carroll put forth maximum effort and covered ground like few others in the league. He rarely scored — five goals and three assists in his Philly career — but BC clogged up the middle like a boss.
Stefani Miglioranzi (2010-2011) - Migs was the BC before BC. He wasn’t flashy, didn’t push forward, and didn’t require the spotlight. But he was also the anchor of that 2010 Union squad, a player asked to step up and provide leadership in a group that sorely needed it.
Sheanon Williams (2010-2015) - There were some rough periods in the Union’s inaugural season, but the emergence of Sheanon Williams stands out as a highlight. Brought up from Harrisburg City, the right back immediately provided the push down the flank that foreshadowed the attacking fullback roles of today. Williams was scrappy, hard-working, and beloved by Philly fans who saw him as someone who truly wanted to make his mark in the city.
Oka Nikolov (2013) - You know Oka! The once and again Union assistant coach spent 2013 on the roster after a legendary career with Eintracht Frankfurt. Nikolov fell in love with Philadelphia and returned to the city this season to join Jim Curtin’s staff as an assistant coach.
Ryan Richter (2011) - While Richter never got a chance to make his mark in MLS play with Philly, he has become part of the club’s fabric. The first-ever Bethlehem Steel captain, Richter now has the reins of the Union pre-academy and is looking to build a coaching career at a club that has built a reputation for developing young talent.
