So it looks like there is going to be another “Summer of Soccer” here in Philadelphia.
But we aren’t talking meaningless friendlies against huge club competition.
Well, that could still happen stay tuned, but we are talking about the Greater Philadelphia region getting rights to host a knockout round match of next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Earlier today, North America’s governing soccer body announced that Lincoln Financial Field is to become one of four hosts for single elimination matches.
And while it hasn’t been said, it’s possible the Linc, home of the Philadelphia Eagles and a great partner of the Philadelphia Union could host this summer’s final.
The Gold Cup, played every two years has featured some great games, perhaps few greater than the latest installment in 2013 which found the United States victors over CONCACAF foe Panama following a 1-0 win.
Can’t recall how that match went? Check this out.
Perhaps nothing was as awe-inspiring though than this goal from D.C. United forward Eddie Johnson in the United States’ 5-1 rout of El Salvador to get to the semifinals of the 2013 tournament. EJ entered the match in the 60th minute and then 30 seconds later the man commentators dubbed "Demolition Man" pulled off this piece of beauty…
There was also a pair of Union connections in the 2011 Gold Cup final in which former Union midfielder Freddy Adu was the assist man on a pair of U.S. goals by Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan (editors note: credit Adu for the second assist on Donovan's goal)
Oh and the legendary voice that called that 2011 final for Fox Sports?
It was none other than play-by-play announcer and the current voice of the Philadelphia Union in JP Dellacamera.
Sure, it’s a way’s away but it's also exciting to think that CONCACAF Gold Cup action will backdrop the excitement of another season of Philadelphia Union soccer along the Chester waterfront. Current and future season ticket members of the Union are eligible for an exclusive ticket presale to the knockout round Gold Cup match at Lincoln Financial Field. All the information about becoming a Philadelphia Union season ticket member can be found here or if you prefer having your questions answered by a human being call the Union ticket and fan services department at 877-21-UNION.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at kgabriel@philadelphiaunion.com
