Next MLS team will be Philadelphia Union, kicks off in 2010

By Chris Hummer, Potomac Soccer Wire Editor

In homage to the blue collar roots of the first Nations Capital and the central hub of the original thirteen colonies in America, team officials of the next Major League Soccer team announced Monday the team would be called the "Philadelphia Union".

Technically, "Union" references the original 13 Colonies, which established the foundation of the United States of America. However, the name - which chosen by fan vote - also keeps with the proud history of a hard working, blue-collar city. Other choices were Philadelphia SC, Philadelphia AC, and Philadelphia City.

The team has will begin play next season in MLS, and is expected by many to boost the prominence of the "traveling fans" so common in European soccer, where opponents are sometimes in the same city, and nearly always a short train or car ride away. The Philadelphia team will be right on the Route 95 corridor, barely an hour from the New York Red Bulls new home, and just about three hours from DC by car.

The 18,500-seat stadium is under construction at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, Pa., just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The multi-purpose stadium will feature an 11,000-square-foot club, 30 suites, a built-in concert stage for world-class music shows and a special 2,000-seat zone for the Sons of Ben supporters club. The new structure will also have a waterfront park and plaza used not only for stadium entry, but also for city-sponsored events such as festivals.