Professional Soccer Makes it Way to Philly

The long-awaited announcement finally took place as the MLS awarded Philadelphia an expansion team that will begin play in 2010. The team will play in a new 20,000 seat stadium in Chester, PA.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philadelphia to Major League Soccer," said Commissioner Garber. "Philadelphia brings in one of the most passionate sports markets in the country and provides a natural rivalry with the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.

The MLS Philadelphia club will play their home matches in a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chester, just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia and easily accessible from Interstate 95 and public transportation via the R2 SEPTA train and SEPTA buses.

Personally, I think this great news for a city that embraces all their professional sport franchises and even race horses. I am surprised that Philadelphia was not awarded a franchise sooner, but their indoor team, the Kixx, has two championships since 2002 and has led the league in attendance three times. The new franchise should have no problem filling seats.

[MLS]