Philadelphia Union Unlikely to Host U.S. Open Cup Final Match: A Fan’s Reaction

Posted Sunday, July 08, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

The U.S. Open Cup is down to just four teams, all part of the MLS, and the organizers have now released the scenarios for hosting. On Friday, July 6, 2012, the organizers revealed the three locations that would potentially get the game. Only Chivas USA is out of the running, but the Philadelphia Union is barely in the running. The top team, the one that will receive home field advantage if the team makes the finals, is Sporting Kansas City. If Sporting Kansas City does not, the Seattle Sounders will get home field advantage. If both Sporting Kansas City and the Sounders are out, then Philadelphia will get to host its first U.S. Open Cup final match and fans will get to see the Union take on Chivas USA.

The Union will have a tough game coming up against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, July 11. While the Union are almost in last place with 14 points and a record of 4-9-2, their opponent is leading the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer and tied for second overall in the league. The Union may be under estimated by their opponent, however. Since a change in leadership, the Union have made changes that have led to a marked improvement. Though it will be a tough game, it could be a huge victory for the Union.

Even if the game is not held at PPL Park Stadium, Philadelphia area soccer fans will be able to see an important game soon. The MLS All-Star game will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. Though the game does not have any significance in the season, it does showcase some of the top members of the MLS and features an international audience. This will be the first time the stadium will be hosting the event and it will be one of the bigger soccer events held at the stadium.

While it would be great to see the Union make it to the final game and play in front of the fans at PPL Park Stadium, it does not seem to be very likely. It is a long shot for the team to make the final match and it is an even longer shot for the team to be able to play at home. No matter how things end up, it is a huge accomplishment for the team to have made it this far in the tournament. There have been a lot of great moments during the tournament that fans can be proud of.