WPS Expanding to Philadelphia

The Women's Professional Soccer league that begins next will plan to expand to Philadelphia in 2010. The same year that Philadelphia's MLS team will begin play.

WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci signed a letter of intent for expansion to Philadelphia yesterday. [AP]

The WPS' inaugural 2009 season will consist of 7 teams and possibly an eighth team will be added via the Bay Area and San Diego California, Cary (North Carolina), or Atlanta.

Since signing on the dotted line with our initial seven investor groups in September of last year, we've had our sights set on adding an eighth team to the league," Antonucci said. "In Philadelphia, we have the perfect foundation for success, combining a strong operating group with the city's recent acquisition of an MLS team to create a prime market for women's soccer.

Continuing reading...

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]

Continuing reading...

A New Futbol team in town?

Delaware County has agreed to spend $30 million for the construction of a soccer stadium on the Chester waterfront, bringing a Major League Soccer franchise closer to the Philadelphia region. The next big step may be taken in November, when MLS hopes to announce the league's two newest franchises at ceremonies surrounding the championship game in Washington.

Philly Inquirer

Just what we need, another professional sport franchise to let us down? Or maybe they'll be a city savior. Just maybe!

Continuing reading...