Another week as passed – and you have spoken.
As we head into Week No. 4 of #UnionTop10, picking the definitive “Final Five,” moments of the 2013 Philadelphia Union season, we take a look back at last week’s battle royale between Conor Casey and Ray Gaddis.
This was the closest race of any we’ve had since kicking off this series last month, with Gaddis pulling through with a little over 50 percent of the total votes (356 votes). Gaddis’ play against Toronto FC now joins Michael Farfan’s free kick against Chivas USA and Kleberson’s wonder goal against Toronto in the hat. All three are through as well to the “Final Five,” but YOU our fans will select the definitive No. 1 moment of the season on Dec. 18.
Don’t forget that one lucky supporter will also receive a commemorative Union throwback jersey from the club’s inaugural season.
Two more memorable moments look to join in on the action this week. Check them out…
Williams side volley goal vs. Columbus (June 5)
It was so good; this is the second time it’s making an appearance on a Top 10 list.
Off a corner kick from Sebastien Le Toux, Brian Carroll – who had a career day with the Union in this one, finishing with a goal and an assist – flicks the ball on, right into the path of Sheanon Williams who makes a deep run to the back post. By the time Columbus keeper Andy Gruenebaum caught up to the play…it was already over.
The goal was one of a pair Williams netted this season – but arguably his finest. Apparently ESPN thought so as well, adding the moment that aided Philly’s 3-0 win over the Crew to its Top 10 plays list on SportsCenter.
Quotable: The whole group came together, made it compact and made it hard for the opposition to come at us,” said Union defender Jeff Parke. “We handled them out wide and through the middle and to be honest, we just simply finished our chances when they were presented to us.”
VS.
The Wheeler to Hoppenot connection vs. Vancouver (July 27)
Five minutes from time. Game is still scoreless and evident that the Whitecaps were just looking to escape with a point. Second half substitutions Antoine Hoppenot and Aaron Wheeler were brought on as fresh legs and as a one-two spark on the attack. Union manager John Hackworth’s decision paid off in stoppage time as Thunder and Lightning connect for the game winner and three points from tough West Coast competition.
Many will say that the best part of that play was Wheeler’s nifty backheel pass to find a streaking Hoppenot, but we like that the play started with Hoppenot who laid off to Wheeler and continued a streaking run into the box, to score his third of the season. The loss for Vancouver was its first in BC Place all season.
Quotable: This one from Rogers SportsNet announcer Scott Rintoul: “So many things I could say that could get me into trouble right now…I’ll leave it! And there is some trouble for the ‘Caps. A late goal by Hoppenot, and it’s one-nil for Philly.”
Which moment do you like most? Cast your vote below and tell us why in the comments below.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at kgabriel@philadelphiaunion.com
Which moment should move on?
