Time For Philadelphia To Follow The Union

Yes, Philadelphia has a soccer team. Don't worry, they have only been in existence since 2010. 


For a city that only likes winners, "The U" have done a pretty good job in only two years. In their second season, the Union, led by coach Peter Nowak, made it to the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, but sadly lost to Houston. 


So why follow the Union you ask? 


The Union are loaded with some of the best talent in all of the MLS. New Union poster boy Danny Mwanga has scored 5 goals last year, and is looking to continue his strong play in the 2012 campaign. Expect him to start a majority of the games this season.


Twins Gabriel and Michael Farfan burst on to the scene last year for the Union, and their solid play has assured them a spot in the starting lineup for most of the year. Gabriel spent the 2011 season shoring up the defense along with Captain Danny Califf, while Michael razzled and dazzled fans with his great footwork, and this pretty goal against international powerhouse Real Madrid. 


If you are looking for a new face to cheer on this season, the Union have plenty of those. They had anything but a quiet offseason, signing speedster Forward Josue Martinez, as well as a veteran at Midfielder in Gabriel Gomez. 


However, the most intriguing new player has to be MLS Rookie Chandler Hoffman. After playing collegiately at UCLA, the Union selected him with their first round selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. Hoffman set Pac-12 records while at UCLA for goals and points in a season. Although he will not start too often in his rookie season, he will be a spark plug off the bench. 


Not only do the Union have a great roster, but their fan base is arguably the best in the MLS. They call themselves the Sons Of Ben, and they are the official Union supporters group. You can find them chanting and singing in the River End of the Union's beautiful PPL Park. The SOBs, as they are commonly referred to as, help create an atmosphere that rivals those of supporter groups of soccer in England. 


The Union are set to take on the Portland Timbers at 9:30 tonight on ESPN2. Will you be watching?