Signs Pointing To Strong Off-Field Start For MLS Philly Union

Union Fans Have Bought Tickets At A Rate  That Will Help Sell Out New Stadium

The "seeds are being sown for the next MLS success story" in the Philadelphia Union, according to Ives Galarcep of ESPN SOCCERNET. The franchise is "less than four months away from debuting as the 16th team in MLS, and while its stadium is still being constructed, there is a growing belief that the league's next franchise is poised to hit the ground running." Union fans have bought season tickets "at a rate that will help sell out the Union's new stadium before it opens for business next summer." Union co-Owner & CEO Nick Sakiewicz "believes the combination of a soccer-hungry market, a new stadium, an already-established supporters group and a talent-laden area could produce a powerhouse club." Sakiewicz: "You feel it from the excitement of the fans here, to the way the area is really embracing the team -- there's something there that will be special." Galarcep wrote the team should have a "solid foundation of support and financial stability" that will help the team "avoid the early growing pains expansion teams from San Jose to Toronto have endured." Also, Union coach Peter Nowak's "winning mentality should help establish Philadelphia as a tough and difficult team to play against." Nowak "made it clear that signing a designated player is a very real possibility for the Union, but it will happen only if the right type of player can be found and the pieces are in place to make the most of that player"  (ESPNSOCCERNET.com, 11/30).