May 17, 2015
The Philadelphia Union aren't doing too well this season.
They currently sit far out of the playoff picture, as their record of 1 win, 7 losses and 2 ties puts them at second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings. With a goal differential of -11, the Union have struggled to find any success this year.
In fact, throughout the team's history, winning hasn't been a big part of the picture. They've only made the postseason once since their 2010 inaugural season, and have not finished with a record above .500 absent their 2011 playoff run.
To show their dissatisfaction, fans organized a march before Sunday's home match against D.C. United. The Sons of Ben, the fan group mainly responsible for bringing a MLS team to Philadelphia, put together the rally. From the group's Facebook page:
After the tailgate today the Sons of Ben will march from the Sons of Ben Lot towards the Plaza with banner reading "Union Fans Deserve Better" to show our frustration with the State of the Union. We will march through Lot C, past the Wharf building where the Keystone Sports offices are located, though Lot B and to the Plaza. The banner will not make its way into the stadium as inside PPL is where we show our support for our team. That support will not change - win, lose or draw.
The march began at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot of PPL Park in Chester, the Union's home stadium.
#DOOP #MLS Sons of Ben fan protest prior to the Union game pic.twitter.com/nQGNAqFzNJ
— Marc Narducci (@sjnard) May 17, 2015
Steve Moore of The 700 Level explained the bleak outlook for the team going forward, blaming partial-owner and CEO Nick Sakiewicz for the poor rosters and coaching instability:
At some point, when you've tried all the players and tried all the coaches, it comes time to look higher on the totem pole. For most sports franchises, you simply fire the general manager and start again with a new vision.
But that won't happen here unless Sakiewicz wants to give up power on his own, or is ordered to by majority owner Jay Sugarman.
Just plain poor play, albeit somewhat due to a number of injuries, has also fueled a restless fan base, as noted by The Brotherly Game. On Sunday afternoon, those fans will attempt to have their voices heard.
