While it was only a January scrimmage and the result was meaningless, the Philadelphia Union’s 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday was a memorable occasion for a number of players who saw the field.
Homegrown goalkeeper Matthew Freese and Bethlehem Steel FC duo Zach Zandi and Ben Ofeimu all saw their first minutes since signing professional contracts and current academy player Cole Turner took the field with the first team for the first time when he checked into the game at center back in the second half.
Brazilian off-season signings Sergio Santos and Carlos Miguel Coronel and veteran defender Aurelien Collin appeared for the first time with the blue and gold and Kacper Przybylko saw his first minutes with the Union since signing last September (he did participate in a closed-door friendly with Bethlehem Steel FC in New York City shortly after joining the team).