MLS announced today that Philadelphia will join the league in 2010 as its 16th team. With a pair of Philly-area natives on the squad, we checked in with Chris Albright and Jeff Larentowicz for their thoughts on the most recent expansion city.
Chris was born and raised in Philly, while Jeff grew up in West Chester, Pa., which is about 20 miles west of the city. They were both excited that the passionate soccer fans in the region will have an MLS team coming to them soon. (If you remember, the city’s own “Sons of Ben” supporters group – a supporters group without a team! – was adjacent to the Midnight Riders and Revs supporters at MLS Cup 2007 in D.C.)
Chris Albright: “Having grown up in the soccer community of Philadelphia, I know that there isn’t a city more starved for the world’s game. The addition of a Major League Soccer team in Philly is a great moment for the youth players, the city and the passionate fans that have supported the game for so many years.”
Jeff Larentowicz: “I couldn’t be happier to hear that the league has decided to announce Philadelphia will be the next team added to MLS. The city and the soccer community in that region have a real passion for the sport and for sport in general that will permeate throughout the league. There is already a base of fans that have fought to bring the team to the area, the Sons of Ben, and it will only continue to grow. ”
Welcome to the league, Philly! Can’t wait for 2010 now.
Finally, the Sons of Ben actually have something to root FOR.
“If you remember, the city’s own “Sons of Ben” supporters group – a supporters group without a team! – was adjacent to the Midnight Riders and Revs supporters at MLS Cup 2007 in D.C.”
Oh we remember.
We remember indeed.
It’s good that MLS is expanding, but I’m personally very upset by this. My interaction with SoB was very unpleasant, and based on Phiily sport’s fans reputation, I have to assume it’s not going to change.
I’ll definitely make the trip down and hope to be treated with the hospitality shown to away fans that come here, but I doubt this will be the case.