1. Philly Teams are Hurting
So, as pretty much every Philly sports fan has noticed, the sports scene in Philadelphia has turned into a lackluster one in only the past couple of years. The Phillies, after having maybe one of the best teams in their long history, suddenly hold the MLB’s worst record. The Eagles can’t seem to find a way to make the playoffs under Chip Kelly, even after going 10-6 in the regular season in 2014. The Flyers always seem to be right there, but I’m afraid, at least for the moment, that reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2009 will be their highest point. And the Sixers drafted another Center. So we have that. But even though the “Big 4” teams are looking dull at the moment, there are still many other teams in Philly; the Soul, the Spinners, the Wings, just to name a few. But no other team in this category stands out quite like the Philadelphia Union.
2. MLS is on the Upswing
MLS started in 1996 with only 10 teams. Now, less than 20 years later, Major League Soccer now supports 20 teams with more on the way, including locations like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Minnesota. Events such as the FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups have brought resurgences to U.S. Soccer like never before. So why am I telling you this? Let me explain.
The Union’s inaugural season was in 2010, meaning they’re only in their sixth season. For the normal span of a sports franchise, they’d still be considered a fetus. And they haven’t been a slow starting team either, making the MLS Playoffs in just their second season in 2011. The fans of the Union are just, if not more, passionate than fans of any other Philadelphia team. As MLS continues to gain following and expand, you’ll want to follow and root for the Union more and more.
3. PPL Park
PPL Park is the home of the Union. It opened in 2010 as the club’s inaugural stadium and is a beautiful place for the Union to call home. The stadium is located along the Delaware River and is overlooked by the Commodore Barry Bridge. It’s a grass stadium which has attracted far more than just MLS play. Things such as NCAA Rugby and Lacrosse Championships, College Soccer, USWNT play, college football, and more have used PPL Park. It seats 18,500 soccer fans, which is considered great attendance for an MLS Soccer match (soccer is generally played in a more intimate setting than other major sports). I could go on and on about the atmosphere at PPL Park on a Union matchday, but that’s something you’ll just have to see for yourself.
4. The Sons of Ben
The Sons of Ben. The Zolos. The River End. However you want to refer to them, the SOBs are the wild, rowdy, loud, and intimidating Union supporters group. In soccer, especially in Europe, teams are famous for having their supporters groups, and the SOBs are as close to European support group as you’re gonna come by in the U.S. The stands spend all 90 minutes on their feet chanting, screaming, cheering, and taunting. The U.S. equivalent that comes to mind would be standing in the student section at a Penn State football game. Players from opposing teams definitely don’t want to be sent off and have to make the walk under the River End. The Sons of Ben are one of, if not THE biggest asset for the Union.
5. There’s No Reason Not To
Think about it: if you’re a diehard Philly fan like I am, what could be bad about having another team to bleed for? Well, besides constant heartache, that is. The Union season usually lasts from March to October, so it starts before baseball season and ends near the beginning of the NFL. And if you’re not a Union fan, you’re in for a rough summer with the Phillies. Sure, the Union aren’t a powerhouse in MLS, but remember they’re still relatively new and have a long way to go with a lot of potential. If you’re a Philly sports fan, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t root for the Blue and Gold.
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