Daily News | For these Union fans, contending for first MLS Cup title is a ‘dream realized’
As second-half stoppage time dwindled and Subaru Park was mere seconds from bedlam, a longtime supporter ran up to this reporter, gave him an impromptu hug and elatedly screamed, “To which another who overheard replied, “YIf anyone would recall the origins of a Union team that was announced in 2009 as MLS’s 16th franchise, it would be members — past and present — of its most ardent supporters club, the Sons of Ben.
In the Union’s 3-1 defeat of New York City FC, the concrete and metal supporters section known as the River End quaked as thousands jumped, hugged, cried, and cheered a team that will play Los Angeles FC on Saturday for a chance to win its first MLS Cup, arguably the biggest soccer title in North America.
In between the jubilation that followed long after referee Alan Chapman’s final whistle, a few members of the SOB told The Inquirer what it meant to witness the moment in the house built for the team, now in its 13th year of existence but 16 since being conceived inside that memorable Philly bar.A founding member of the Sons of Ben, who alongside Brian James and Brad Youtz was one of the four in that bar leading the charge to bring Philly an MLS franchise.
“I’m not off cloud nine yet from Sunday. Especially after what happened last year and to have another bite at the apple. Teams don’t get to just run it back a year later, which just made it that much sweeter. At no point during that [NYCFC] game, even when New York scored, did I waver. I was like, ‘We’re winning this game.’ A couple of world-class saves from [goalkeeper] Andre Blake and an avalanche of goals in the second half and here we are.
“It was just an incredible experience to be there, to literally see the emotion pour out of people. That building was like something I’d never seen in my life. I’m not kidding, it felt like I was at an Eagles game. I’ll be out there for MLS Cup to watch this team win it.
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