Philadelphia Union

Founded in 2008 and entering Major League Soccer in 2010, the Philadelphia Union are a professional soccer club representing the City of Brotherly Love. The club's name and crest, featuring a rattlesnake and the "Join, or Die" cartoon, are direct nods to Philadelphia's revolutionary history and Benjamin Franklin's call for colonial unity. This deep connection to local identity is a cornerstone of the franchise. The Union play their home matches at Subaru Park, a soccer-specific stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, situated on the banks of the Delaware River. The venue, which opened in 2010, provides an intimate and atmospheric setting for the club's passionate supporters. While the Union's early years were marked by struggles, they have evolved into one of MLS's most consistently competitive and well-run organizations. Their greatest achievement to date is winning the 2020 Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. They have also been perennial contenders in the MLS Cup Playoffs, reaching the final in 2022, and have made appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League. The club's identity is built on a foundation of strong academy development and a cohesive, high-pressing playing style instilled by long-serving head coach Jim Curtin. Legendary figures in Union history include all-time leading scorer and original player Sébastien Le Toux, Jamaican international goalkeeper Andre Blake, a multiple MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag, a modern star and prolific goalscorer. The fan culture is among the most vibrant in the league, led by the independent supporters' group, the Sons of Ben, who were instrumental in bringing MLS to Philadelphia. Their passionate support creates a formidable atmosphere at Subaru Park. A fierce rivalry exists with the New York Red Bulls, known as the I-95 Derby, and a growing one with fellow Eastern Conference contender Atlanta United. Today, the Philadelphia Union are recognized as a model of stability and competitive ambition within MLS.