The Major League Soccer match promises to be both competition and celebration, drawing fans of all ages to Lincoln Financial Field. Soccer legend Walter Bahr will be honored before the 0-1 Union battle 0-2 DC United. A parade of pioneers will recognize past teams, including the Atoms and the Fury, both of the old North American Soccer League.
A City Hall pep rally is set for noon Friday, to feature all the team players.
"It's been a long time coming," said Catherine Kulp, who coaches girls' soccer at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Towamencin Township. "There are thousands and thousands of kids in the region who play soccer. This shows them this is not just something you do as a little kid. It shows them that this is something you can aspire to."
Culp, a Union season-ticket holder, is buying six to 10 extra seats for the opener, anticipating that family will want to attend.
Sakiewicz expects opening-day attendance to reach 30,000. "It's going to be very emotional, and very electric," he said.
The Union will play their first two home games at the Linc while an 18,500-seat stadium, PPL Park, is completed on the Chester waterfront. The first game at PPL Park is scheduled for June 27, versus the Seattle Sounders.
In a way, Sakiewicz said, it's good the first games will be at the much-larger Linc, "because PPL Park is going to be sold out," and this will let more-casual fans "see us play live at least a couple of times."
Soccer after the Fury
Of course, plenty of soccer has been played here since the Fury left. The first-ever event at the Linc was a 2003 exhibition between Manchester United and FC Barcelona. Women's soccer and indoor teams have come and gone and come again.
But for ages Philadelphia lacked a pro men's outdoor team. How long has it been?
