CHESTER, PA- The Philadelphia Union began their sixth season on Saturday with a match up against the Colorado Rapids at PPL Park. In front of 18,022 fans that braved the chilly temperatures, the Union played well enough to secure the first three points of the season but fell just short of that and had to settle for a scoreless draw.

Just 48 hours prior, about 7 inches of snow had fallen throughout the entire Delaware Valley. The Union and PPL Park staff had scrambled to get the snow cleared and ready for the season opener. At game time it was clear that the entire staff had done a fantastic job with the snow removal.

"I’m happy with the group in terms of defense, I thought we were solid and didn’t give up many chances," were the initial thoughts of head coach Jim Curtin who begins his first full season at the helm for the Union. "We created enough chances to get three points. I look at it as two points dropped." The positive assessment from Curtin was that the Union kept a clean sheet at home and that "the goals will come."

During the first half, both the Union and the Rapids took some time getting settled. With most of the play in the opening minutes being played mainly in the center of the pitch. However, things picked up and the game turned physical from there on. The Union took multiple aims at goal; 16 in total with only 4 shots on target. The one of the closest chance at goal was an Andrew Wenger shot from just outside the box during the first half that just skimmed the crossbar.

With the Rapids getting only 2 shots the entire game and none on target, they gave the Union plenty of chances to take the three points. The Union gained more of an opportunity to score after a Bobby Burling second yellow card resulted in a red and leaving he Rapids a man down for the rest of the match. Unfortunately, the Union continued the pressure but couldn’t get one past Rapids keeper Clint Irwin.

The Union were basically the dominant team through the game. In regards to possession, the Union were 60% to the Rapids 40% and did much better with ball movement with a passing accuracy of 75%. This was mainly the fact with Midfielder Maurice Edu taking control of the Midfield securing most of the successful passes.

Injury news. Forward C.J. Sapong suffered a concussion during the match and will be evaluated on Monday.

The Union will travel to Real Salt Lake next weekend.