It didn’t take long to introduce Major League Soccer to the Philadelphia way. With their rough play, the Union showed they deserve to play for this city, yet it might not have been the smartest of moves.

Just 17 seconds into the Union’s first ever match, Danny Califf ( the captain, naturally) shoved Freddy Montero of the Seattle Sounders, good for a bright shiny yellow card. And that wasn’t the only color Philly saw. Just before the half, rookie defenseman Toni Stahl came at Fredy Montero with a modest foul to the back that drew his second caution, accompanied by an ejection. I’d imagine being down a man and 2 goals by halftime was not the way Peter Nowak envisioned his squads first game ever.

The Union established the bully-like play early and often in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN2. Thats right, the entire country saw the team earn themselves 5 cards before they even scored their first goal, and it probably didn’t make a great impression on the league. Granted, a bit of Sounder embellishment was definitely a culprit for a few of those fouls, and it would be great to see yellows being thrown for such elaborate diving. But at least two of those fouls were the result of inexperience, and poor conditioning.

As an avid Flyers fan, I have seen where the rough-stuff reputation will get a team. Thats no where, fast. Don’t get me wrong, it fills seats, its extremely entertaining and it absolutely adds an extra something when teams are afraid to play against you. Yet if the league tags you as a rough team, that label is unshakable. Its there forever. The Broad Stree.. er, Flyers, are still suffering from the reputation that guys like Dave “The Hammer” Shultz and Don “Big Bird” Saleski branded back in the 70’s. The National Hockey League finds several Fly Guys to suspend every year for hits that are overlooked for just about every other team.

So is this our team? Can we expect a bundle of yellow’s every game? Are we the Sea Port Drive Bullies? Lets hope that the Union’s first showing does not black list our players. I love a tough team, but its frustrating when blatant calls don’t go your way because of your reputation.