Philadelphia Union
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