Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union are a professional soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia. They compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 2010, they're Philadelphia's first top-division professional soccer team. The Union have become 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 wanted an MLS franchise for years. Here's how it happened:
- 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 wasn't easy. The club faced challenges typical of expansion teams.
- 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 from scratch
Rise to Contention (2016-Present)
Jim Curtin Era
Everything changed when Jim Curtin arrived.
- 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
Their academy became one of MLS's finest. The club focused on developing young talent rather than just buying stars.
- 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 nationwide
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. It's a soccer-specific venue with real character.
- 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 divided fans over the years. Some love it. Others don't.
Pros: Soccer-specific stadium, great sightlines, dedicated facility. Cons: Outside Philadelphia, difficult transit access, Chester's economic struggles. Some fans wish the team played downtown, but that'd be expensive and complicated.
Supporter Culture
Sons of Ben
The Sons of Ben are the Union's primary supporters' group. They existed before the team did.
- 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. The atmosphere's electric.
The Doop
"Doop" is uniquely Union. Every goal triggers it.
- 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 proximity breeds intense matchups. The I-95 corridor connection matters. These games get heated fast and often decide division races.
D.C. United
- Atlantic Cup*** — Regional rivalry
- Historical significance
New England Revolution
Eastern Conference battles with real stakes.
Jim Curtin
Jim Curtin built the Union into contenders. His impact can't be overstated.
- 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
- He transformed the organization from the ground up
Getting There
To Subaru Park
Getting to matches is straightforward.
- 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