PDL Feature
Monday, April 14, 2014
After his recent trade from the Montreal Impact, Andrew Wenger’s debut for the Philadelphia Union couldn’t have gone much better.
The former Reading United forward, and native of Lancaster, Pa., not only scored in his debut, but also provided strong all-around play as he made a good first impression on his teammates and coaching staff.
“I was pretty anxious,” said Wenger to CSNPhilly’s Ryan Bright. “If you saw my first touch of the game, it was pretty donkey. I actually gave the ball away, then fouled [Javier] Morales. It was good to get that one out of the way.”
The only thing that was missing from the game was a win for the Union, as they shared the points in a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake thanks to a late goal by U.S. international Maurice Edu. The center back, who himself arrived in Philadelphia this offseason, was pleased with Wenger’s first appearance at PPL Park for the Union.
“He showed a lot today,” Edu told Bright. “Not only did he score the goal but he worked his tail off, he was tracking back, making tackles and breaking up plays. He showed a lot of good traits today and we’re pleased he got that goal. He’s going to be a good asset for our team, we’re happy for him.”
The reception Wenger received was a very different one from two weeks prior, when he had been part of the Impact side that earned a 1-1 draw at PPL on March 29. Understandably, Wenger is much happier to have the support of the Sons of Ben, who chanted his name after his first goal in Union colors.
“That was pretty damn cool,” said Wenger. “Much better than the F-words they were giving me last week.”
HIGHLIGHTS