Philadelphia Union: A Comprehensive History of the MLS Club

The Philadelphia Union is a premier professional soccer club based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference, the club has established itself as a formidable force in American soccer since its founding on February 28, 2008. After joining the league as an expansion team in 2010, the Union has grown from a newcomer into a consistent contender for top honors.

The club plays its home matches at Subaru Park, a soccer-specific stadium located in Chester, Pennsylvania, situated along the banks of the Delaware River. Currently owned by Keystone Sports & Entertainment, the club is led by majority owner and chairman Jay Sugarman, with NBA star Kevin Durant serving as a minority owner.

A view of Subaru Park from the River End supporters' section

Key Facts

Founded: February 28, 2008 (Began play in 2010).
Home Ground: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania (Capacity: 18,500).
Major Honors: Two-time Supporters' Shield winners (2020, 2025).
League: Major League Soccer (MLS), Eastern Conference.
Current Interim Coach: Ryan Richter.

Club History and Evolution

The Early Years and Expansion

The drive for expansion culminated in the club's official founding in 2008. The Union's brand identity was heavily inspired by Benjamin Franklin's famous "Join, or Die" cartoon, reflecting the spirit of unity and resilience.

Join, or Die Benjamin Franklin was recycled to encourage the former colonies to unite against British rule — Join, or Die, the cartoon by Benjamin Franklin which was the inspiration behind the Union's brand

The club's inaugural era was marked by the leadership of Piotr Nowak (2009–2012), followed by John Hackworth (2012–2014). During these formative years, the club focused on establishing its footprint in the Philadelphia sports landscape, with Sébastien Le Toux etching his name into history as the club's first-ever goal scorer.

Sébastien Le Toux was the Union's first goal scorer.

The Jim Curtin Era and Peak Success

The appointment of Jim Curtin in 2014 ushered in the most stable and successful period in the club's history. Under Curtin's tenure, which lasted until November 2024, the Union became a perennial powerhouse. The club reached the MLS Cup final in 2022 and secured the Supporters' Shield—an award given to the team with the best regular-season record—in both 2020 and 2025.

The Union also found success in the U.S. Open Cup, finishing as runners-up in 2014, 2015, and 2018. This era was defined by a commitment to tactical discipline and the development of homegrown talent.

Recent Transitions

Following Curtin's departure, Bradley Carnell took charge on January 2, 2025. However, his tenure was short-lived; after a difficult start to the 2026 season with a 1-10-4 record, Carnell was dismissed in May 2026. Ryan Richter, previously a developmental team coach, was named the interim manager to lead the squad forward.

Youth Development and Reserve Teams

Philadelphia Union II

To bridge the gap between the academy and the first team, the club launched a reserve team in 2016. Originally named Bethlehem Steel FC—a tribute to the historic Bethlehem Steel F.C. that played from 1907 to 1930—the team initially competed in the United Soccer League (USL).

The Bethlehem Steel F.C. (pictured before 1915 U.S. Open Cup) was one of the most successful early American soccer clubs in the 20th century

In 2020, the identity was rebranded to Philadelphia Union II, and the team transitioned to MLS Next Pro, a third-division reserve league, in 2022.

Former academy player Derrick Jones also played for Philadelphia Union II from 2016 to 2019

Academy and UDS

The Philadelphia Union Academy (Union III) serves as the primary pipeline for young talent. Additionally, the club entered a team into the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) in late 2022 known as the Union Development Squad (UDS), which achieved a dominant 9–0–3 regular-season record in its debut Fall 2022 campaign.

Club Profile Summary

Philadelphia Union Club Overview
Category	Details
Stadium	Subaru Park (Chester, PA)
Capacity	18,500
Majority Owner	Jay Sugarman
Sporting Director	Jon Scheer
All-Time Top Scorer	Dániel Gazdag (71 goals)
Primary Colors	Blue, Gold, and Red

Player and Coaching Records

Dániel Gazdag stands as the club's most prolific goal scorer, with 71 goals scored between 2021 and 2025. Other legendary figures include Sébastien Le Toux and the long-serving Alejandro Bedoya. On the sidelines, Jim Curtin remains the most successful manager in terms of longevity and win percentage (42.68%) over 321 matches.

Jakob Glesnes during a May 2021 match is shown wearing the club's light blue away kit

The club's connection to the broader soccer community is often highlighted by visits from legends, such as National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr.

National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr, with then-Vice President Joe Biden, at a Philadelphia Union match, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Philadelphia Union play their home games?

The Philadelphia Union play at Subaru Park, a soccer-specific stadium located in Chester, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Delaware River.

What is the Supporters' Shield?

The Supporters' Shield is a trophy awarded to the Major League Soccer team that finishes with the best overall record across all teams in the league during the regular season.

Who is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Union?

As of February 2025, Dániel Gazdag is the all-time leading scorer with 71 goals.

What is the history behind the name Bethlehem Steel FC?

Bethlehem Steel FC was the original name of the Union's reserve team (now Philadelphia Union II), named in honor of the Bethlehem Steel F.C., one of the most successful early American soccer clubs of the 20th century.

Who currently owns the Philadelphia Union?

The club is owned by Keystone Sports & Entertainment, with Jay Sugarman as the majority owner and chairman, and Kevin Durant as a minority owner.