Philadelphia Union: Difference between revisions
Add biography.wiki cross-reference links |
Add biography.wiki cross-references |
||
| Line 191: | Line 191: | ||
|q4=Who are the Sons of Ben? | |q4=Who are the Sons of Ben? | ||
|a4=The Sons of Ben are the Union's primary supporters' group, founded in 2007—before the team even existed—to advocate for MLS in Philadelphia. Named for Benjamin Franklin, they created supporter culture from scratch and lead the atmosphere at Subaru Park's River End. | |a4=The Sons of Ben are the Union's primary supporters' group, founded in 2007—before the team even existed—to advocate for MLS in Philadelphia. Named for [https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin], they created supporter culture from scratch and lead the atmosphere at Subaru Park's River End. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 16:18, 25 March 2026
The Philadelphia Union are a professional soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania (just outside Philadelphia), competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 2010, the Union are Philadelphia's first top-division professional soccer team and have developed into one of MLS's strongest organizations, winning the Supporters' Shield in 2020 and reaching the MLS Cup Final in 2022.[1]
History
Formation (2008-2010)
Philadelphia had long sought an MLS franchise:
- 2008*** — MLS awarded expansion franchise
- Keystone Sports & Entertainment*** — Original ownership
- 2009*** — "Union" name chosen (honoring city's history)
- 2010*** — Inaugural season began
- Chester*** — Chose Delaware County for stadium site
Early Years (2010-2015)
Building a foundation:
- 2010*** — First season, played at PPL Park (now Subaru Park)
- Peter Nowak*** — First head coach
- Sebastien Le Toux*** — First star player
- Early seasons marked by inconsistency
- Building supporter culture
Rise to Contention (2016-Present)
Jim Curtin Era
- Jim Curtin*** — Hired 2014, became defining coach
- Youth development*** — Focus on homegrown players
- 2018-2022*** — Transformed into MLS elite
- 2020 Supporters' Shield*** — Best regular season record
- 2022 MLS Cup Final*** — Lost to LAFC (penalty shootout)
Homegrown Success
The Union's academy became one of MLS's best:
- Brenden Aaronson*** — Sold to Leeds United, USMNT star
- Mark McKenzie*** — Sold to Belgian club
- Paxten Aaronson*** — Brenden's brother, rising star
- Player development generates revenue and talent
- Model for MLS academies
Championships and Honors
| Year | Honor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Supporters' Shield | Best MLS regular season record |
| 2022 | Eastern Conference Champion | Lost MLS Cup Final |
| 2022 | U.S. Open Cup Final | Lost to Orlando City |
Subaru Park
The Stadium
The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester:
- Opened*** — 2010 (as PPL Park)
- Capacity*** — 18,500
- Location*** — Chester, Delaware County (not Philadelphia proper)
- Naming*** — PPL Park (2010-2016), Talen Energy Stadium (2016-2020), Subaru Park (2020-present)
- River views*** — Overlooks Delaware River
Location Debate
The Chester location has pros and cons:
- Pros*** — Soccer-specific stadium, great sightlines, dedicated facility
- Cons*** — Outside Philadelphia, difficult transit access, Chester's challenges
- Some fans wish for city location
Supporter Culture
Sons of Ben
The Sons of Ben are the Union's primary supporters' group:
- Founded*** — 2007 (before team existed)
- Purpose*** — Advocate for MLS team in Philadelphia
- Named for*** — Benjamin Franklin
- Role*** — Created supporter culture before first game
- River End*** — Supporters' section at Subaru Park
- Drums, chants, tifos, atmosphere
The Doop
"Doop" became the Union's goal celebration:
- Song*** — "Doop" by Doop (1994 novelty hit)
- Plays after every Union goal
- Fans chant "DOOP! DOOP! DOOP!"
- Unique tradition among MLS clubs
Notable Players
Union Stars
| Player | Position | Years | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastien Le Toux | F | 2010-2012, 2015-16 | First star, fan favorite |
| Brenden Aaronson | M | 2019-2021 | Homegrown, sold to Europe |
| Andre Blake | GK | 2014-present | 2x MLS Goalkeeper of Year |
| Alejandro Bedoya | M | 2016-present | Captain, USMNT veteran |
| Daniel Gazdag | M | 2021-present | Hungarian international |
| Kacper Przybylko | F | 2019-2021 | Top scorer |
Homegrown Products
- Brenden Aaronson*** — Now at Leeds United/USMNT
- Mark McKenzie*** — Sold to Genk
- Paxten Aaronson*** — Rising talent
- Jack McGlynn*** — Midfielder
- Quinn Sullivan*** — Young prospect
Rivalries
New York Red Bulls
- Geographic rivalry*** — I-95 corridor
- Competitive matches*** — Often heated
- Primary MLS rivalry
D.C. United
- Atlantic Cup*** — Regional rivalry
- Historical significance
New England Revolution
- Eastern Conference battles
Jim Curtin
Jim Curtin has defined the Union's success:
- Hired*** — October 2014
- Background*** — Former Union defender, MLS journeyman
- Philosophy*** — Youth development, high press, physicality
- 2020*** — MLS Coach of the Year
- Longest-tenured coach in Union history
- Transformed organization
Getting There
To Subaru Park
- By car*** — I-95 to Chester
- SEPTA*** — Regional Rail to Chester, then shuttle
- Address*** — 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA 19013
- Parking*** — Available on-site
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Philadelphia Union". Philadelphia Union. Retrieved December 23, 2025