Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Established on February 28, 2008, the Union began their inaugural season in 2010.

Their home stadium, Subaru Park, is situated along the Delaware River in Chester, offering a picturesque setting for fans and players alike.

Performance and Achievements

Since its inception, the Union have shown consistent growth and competitiveness within MLS. They have reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015, and 2018.

They have appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs multiple times, including in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, the Union secured their first Supporters' Shield by finishing with the best regular-season record in MLS.

The following year, they advanced to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history.

Ownership and Coaching

The club is owned by Jay Sugarman, with professional basketball player Kevin Durant serving as a minority owner.

The Union's current head coach is Bradley Carnell, who took over the role in January 2025. Carnell previously led St. Louis City SC to a record 17-12-5 in their expansion season and has also been an interim coach for the New York Red Bulls.

Player Development and Transactions

In terms of player development, the Union have been proactive in nurturing young talent. In February 2025, they signed 17-year-old homegrown defender Neil Pierre to a four-year contract, with an option for 2029.

Pierre, a native of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, earned this opportunity after a standout season with Union II.

The Union have also been involved in significant player transactions, such as the acquisition of midfielder Jack McGlynn by Houston Dynamo FC in February 2025.

This trade marked the first cash-for-homegrown player trade in MLS history.

Community Engagement and Facilities

Off the field, the Philadelphia Union Foundation plays a pivotal role in community engagement. Established in 2011, the foundation is dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities through the power of soccer.

Their initiatives include:

• the iAM Project
• Chester Soccer
• HeadFirst
• Safe Spaces

These programs provide youth mentorship, educational opportunities, mental health resources, and accessible athletic programs.

The Union's commitment to community development is further exemplified by their state-of-the-art facilities. Subaru Park is part of a unique waterfront campus that includes a historic power plant transformed into a 400,000 sq. ft. creative office building, a state-of-the-art Training Complex, and over 7 acres of professional-grade practice pitches.

Locations

• Chester, PA, USA: Home of both Subaru Park and the club's training center along the Delaware River

In summary, the Philadelphia Union are a dynamic and community-focused soccer club that continues to make significant strides both on and off the field. Their dedication to player development, community engagement, and competitive excellence underscores their growing influence in Major League Soccer.