Brotherly Love: Philadelphia to Become 16th Team in the MLS

Shortly after the revival of the once defunct franchise known as the San Jose Earthquakes, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber was quick to unveil his plans of creating yet another team in the league. 

On February 28th 2008, Philadelphia was awarded an MLS franchise that gets set to begin play in 2010. The newly-assembled team will play in a brand new, 20,000 seat stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philadelphia to Major League Soccer. 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," said the commissioner.

The introduction of the new franchise means that the Philadelphia area will be home to a men's professional soccer team after a 28-year absence.

Ever since the departure of the Philadelphia Fury in 1980, fans in the Pennsylvania area have found themselves traveling to both New York and Washington to get their scoop of MLS action.

"It's all about the fans and the community," said Nick Sakiewicz, a CEO and part owner of the Philadelphia soccer club.

"And this ownership group is passionately committed to doing things in a major-league way. It will be the people's team, with a world-class stadium. You'll see a work-hard-play-hard mentality that will showcase attractive, winning football with a determination that Philadelphia-area sports fans demand and will be proud of."

Getting the interest of the people of Philadelphia shouldn't be much of a problem in the "David Beckham" era of the MLS.

Home to 6.8 million people, filling the seats in such a massive city shouldn't be much of a concern. The city has a rich history of hosting major soccer events including the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2003 and 1994 FIFA World Cup.

In the meantime, fans in Philadelphia can get excited over the potential of their club.

With the name, logo and coaching staff yet to be determined, one could bet that the fans will be eager to see how their team fares when the 2010 season kicks around. 

Let's just hope they can come up with a better name than the "Philadelphia Fury.”