Union Vs. Timbers: Philadelphia Visits Portland In Nationally Televised Season Opener

The Philadelphia Union kick off the 2012 season against the Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field. The meeting, part of the MLS's First Kick, will be nationally televised on ESPN 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The two teams met in Portland last May, with the Union escaping the boisterous arena with a 1-0 victory.

"We expect that it's going to be a tight game, similar to how they played us last year," manager Peter Nowak said. "It could be a game where one goal could decide it one way or the other. They didn't give up many goals in the preseason, so we expect that one goal will decide it. It's a short field, it's a tight field, so the game could be fast. We have to be prepared for that as well."

For more Philadelphia Union coverage, visit our team page or our blog Brotherly Game. SB Nation also has a StoryStream dedicated to the First Kick.