Established
2008
City
Philadelphia
League History
2010 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2010 – Present / Philadelphia Union
Nickname
Union – Philadelphia Union is one of the most beloved Major League Soccer teams in the United States. As a proud supporter of this team, you may wonder where their nickname originates and what it means.
The Philadelphia Union was founded in 2008 as part of an expansion into Major League Soccer, joining other professional soccer clubs like LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. The name "Union" was chosen to reflect Philadelphia's place as one of America's original 13 colonies – each colony united to form a single nation under God. This idea has been echoed throughout the club’s history, making it an appropriate representation of its city and country.
The logo for the team also reflects this union theme: featuring thirteen stars around a blue shield that forms two halves that come together at its center point, representing unity amongst all citizens regardless of race or creed within our great nation! It is also worth noting that these same colors are used by many other sports teams from Pennsylvania (such as Pittsburgh Steelers), which further solidifies their ties to Philly pride!
In addition to being symbolic of America’s independence movement, “Union” can also refer more broadly to any group that shares common goals or interests, which applies perfectly when describing passionate supporters such as yourself! From tailgating outside Talen Energy Stadium before kickoff until celebrating late into the night after victories, we are all united behind our shared love for Philadelphia Union soccer games - no matter how far away they may take us on any given weekend trip across MLS territory... Go U!!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2010 - Present / Subaru Park
2010 / Lincoln Financial Field
Owner
2008 - Present / Jay Sugarman (Keystone Sports & Entertainment, LLC)
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2019
- 2020
-
Union Team Formation
In 2007, the Sons of Ben supporter group formed to raise interest toward a Major League Soccer team in Philadelphia. They are credited with demonstrating to MLS an established fan base in the market. Major League Soccer added Philadelphia as its sixteenth team on February 28, 2008. The finalization of the club was the result of a $47 million package approved ... -
Philadelphia Union club qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time
In 2011: The Philadelphia Union club qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time, finishing third in the Eastern Conference. However, they lost to Houston Dynamo in the conference semifinals. -
Philadelphia club appointed John Hackworth as head coach
In 2012: The club parted ways with Nowak in June and appointed John Hackworth as the interim head coach. The club finished eighth in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs. -
Philadelphia Union win first MLS playoff match
In 2019: The Philadelphia Union club won its first playoff game, defeating New York Red Bulls 4–3 after extra time in the first round. However, they lost to Atlanta United FC 2–0 in the conference semifinals. -
Philadelphia Union win 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield
In 2020: The club won its first trophy, securing the Supporters’ Shield with a league-best record of 14–4–5 (47 points) and a league-best goal difference of +24. The club also had four players named to the MLS Best XI: Andre Blake (goalkeeper), Mark McKenzie (defender), Brenden Aaronson (midfielder) and Kacper Przybylko (forward). However, they lost to New England Revolution 2–0 ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Union
The Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer team based in Chester, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008, the club was one of the founding members of Major League Soccer (MLS). Since then, they have become an integral part of MLS, and their fan base has grown exponentially.
The Union’s inaugural season was marked by excitement and disappointment. However, they won their first game against D.C United 3-2; they finished with a 6-15-9 record and failed to qualify for playoffs that year. However, this did not deter fans from supporting them; instead, it only increased enthusiasm for future seasons where better results were expected and achieved over time.
In 2011 under new coach Peter Nowak's leadership, the team had its best-ever regular season performance finishing third overall with 12 wins out of 34 games played - good enough to qualify for playoff contention but ultimately losing out on penalties at home against Houston Dynamo in the semifinals match up 4–3 after two legs draw 2–2 aggregate scorelines. The following years saw further improvement culminating in making it through the finals, eventually winning the US Open Cup title, beating Seattle Sounders 2–1 after extra time. This victory brought great pride amongst players, coaches & supporters alike, who celebrated long into the night, finally being rewarded with a silverware trophy, which sits proudly displayed inside PPL Park stadium today.
Since then, there have been mixed fortunes, including some disappointing campaigns; however, recent signings such as Alejandro Bedoya & CJ Sapong and emerging young talent like Auston Trusty show promise that brighter days are ahead again soon! With a passionate fanbase behind them every step way, plus an experienced coaching staff led by Jim Curtin leading the charge towards success once more, there is no doubt Philadelphia Union will continue to be a competitive force within the MLS circuit in present-day in the future...
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history