Purnell T. Cropper
Web editor | Freelance writer | Communications studentLatest Posts From Purnell T. Cropper
The Article in Which We Compare Soccer Games to Mixtapes
by Purnell T. Cropper on June 13, 2011 | 6 CommentsA strong first half and a frustrating second defined what should’ve been another win, as the Blue and Gold snatched a single point from RSL. Purnell breaks it down.
Read More
Osito Unbound: The Secret Life of a Corporate Mascot
by Purnell T. Cropper on March 22, 2011 | 3 CommentsWatching First Kick, you may have noticed the BIMBO ad featuring our sponsor’s adorably frightening mascot, Osito. But who is he? Purnell Cropper takes a peek underneath the giant white bear head and uncovers the truth about the most lovable anthropomorphized omnivore in MLS.
Read MoreUnion No-Show in Colorado
by Purnell T. Cropper on September 30, 2010 | 1 CommentWhile I respect Beyonce—she did produce the best music video of 2009—I always get a sense of foreboding when the Philadelphia Union take the field in their Sasha Fierce outfits. The matte gold jerseys and socks just don’t fit the team or city’s personality: too fussy and ostentatious. And when the team’s play doesn’t sparkle luxurious-like—and it certainly didn’t during Wednesday’s 4-1 loss to the…
Read MoreSeitz Lets Wizards Off the Hook in 1-1 Draw
by Purnell T. Cropper on September 5, 2010 | Add A CommentPhiladelphia Union players took the field against the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday bolstered by a gutsy come-from-behind win over the New England Revolution and a mid-week smack-down of Mexican powerhouse Chivas Guadalajara. In spite of injuries to Fred and Eduardo Cuadet, the experienced midfielders (read: geezers) who usually orchestrate the Union attack, the guys looked confident, dangerous. Perhaps Justin Mapp and Jack McInerney’s recent…
Read MoreUnion Frustrated By Re-Energized D.C. United
by Purnell T. Cropper on August 23, 2010 | 1 CommentAfter flipping open my laptop and blinking through the mind-numbing loading screens (the computer’s way of yawning obnoxiously in my face), I noticed that nothing happened when I pushed my mouse around. Grumpy and confused, I stared at the underside of the sleek Logitech design, shaking it occasionally. A minute or so passed before I realized the problem. The thing wasn’t plugged in. I chuckled…
Read MoreUnion Playoff Hopes Slim After Consecutive Losses
by Purnell T. Cropper on August 9, 2010 | 4 CommentsMore people passed through the low-key house party I attended on Saturday night—in the backwoods of Wayne, Pa.—than entered the gates of Pizza Hut Park on Sunday, where FC Dallas hosted the Philadelphia Union. Judging by the high-pitch death shrieks that rose from the “crowd” when the blue and gold scored an early goal, the home team was running some kind of Boy Choirs Get…
Read MoreUnion Settle for Draw Against Revs
by Purnell T. Cropper on August 1, 2010 | Add A CommentAt this stage in the season, points are precious. With a win over the New England Revolution at PPL Park yesterday, the Philadelphia Union would have moved within striking distance of the fourth-place Kansas City Wizards in the Eastern Conference standings. Union players and officials, undoubtedly disappointed, are trying to downplay the tie. But a quick glance at the league schedule should give Union fans…
Read MorePhiladelphia Union Beat Third-Place Toronto FC
by Purnell T. Cropper on July 18, 2010 | 13 CommentsThe Philadelphia Union reasserted its home field dominance on Saturday, topping Toronto FC, 2-1, at PPL Park, behind a goal and assist by Sebastien Le Toux. The Blue and Gold bounced back after a heart-wrenching home loss to the San Jose Earthquakes last week and ended third-place TFC’s eight game unbeaten streak. Philly Union Talk was at the game in full force, downing beer on…
Read MoreRecap: Earthquakes Topple Union
by Purnell T. Cropper on July 12, 2010 | 3 CommentsThe Philadelphia Union snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Saturday night at PPL Park. The guys played hard, taking an early lead and dominating large stretches of the game, but ultimately lost a heart-breaker to the San Jose Earthquakes behind a pair of stoppage time goals. The visitors benefited from a combination of poor finishing by Union players and some goalmouth magic by…
Read MoreDonovan Can Have the Headlines, Bradley Just Wants the Ball
by Purnell T. Cropper on June 24, 2010 | 1 CommentMichael Bradley, whose play and decision making was erratic during qualifying, was my pick for man of the match on Wednesday, when the U.S. netted a 1-0 win against Algeria. He did everything one could possibly ask of a box-to-box middy. He confidently guided his team down field, controlling the pace of the game and almost always providing an easy outlet for teammates. (When you…
Read More
