Philadelphia Union Win 2020 Supporters’ Shield

CHESTER, Pa. (November 8, 2020) – Completing the season with 2.04 points-per-game and a 14-4-5 record, the Philadelphia Union have clinched the best overall record of Major League Soccer for the 2020 regular season and have won the Supporters’ Shield, the first trophy for the club. The Union have also earned a berth in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, a financial bonus, and top seed and homefield advantage throughout the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

“Today is a special day in Philadelphia Union history,” said Jay Sugarman, Philadelphia Union Principal Owner. “In a season full of challenges, our team showed they could fight through whatever was thrown at them and come out on top. I am incredibly proud of this organization; Ernst Tanner and Chris Albright for building a championship team, Jim Curtin and the coaching staff for their leadership, and every single Union player on the roster who fought for the badge and the city of Philadelphia.”

“What our team has been able to do during the toughest season of Major League Soccer is truly remarkable,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “This team has shown heart, determination, and sacrifice to bring home the first major trophy for the club and city. From the day I arrived, the strategy was to build a winning team through our young talents and new signings, and develop a championship mentality that would allow us to become one of the top clubs in Major League Soccer.”

“This journey started more than ten years ago, and on behalf of the Sons of Ben and the Union faithful, we are thrilled to share this moment with the team and organization,” said Matt Gendaszek, Sons of Ben President. “It is truly an honor for the Sons of Ben to be able to award the only trophy in American sports that is given by the fans to our 2020 Philadelphia Union squad. This team has overcome every obstacle and challenge that 2020 has placed in front of them. We are so proud of the fighting spirit of this team and how they represent us, the fans, and the Philadelphia region.”

The Supporters' Shield is an annual award given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record. It was created to echo European leagues, where the regular season record is considered the league winner. The Union achieved this feat by developing a young core to pair with key veteran signings, allowing them to build on a club points record set in 2019.

The Shield was created by MLS supporter groups, like Philadelphia’s Sons of Ben, and is awarded by the Supporters’ Shield Foundation. As a club founded by supporters, this is a particularly important trophy for the Union. The Shield was presented to the Union by the Sons of Ben on-field following the conclusion of the game.

The Philadelphia Union clinched the best overall record after defeating the New England Revolution by a 2-0 score line at Subaru Park. Sergio Santos provided the winning goal, scoring in the 43rd minute of play. The second half saw Cory Burke double the lead for the Union in the 69th minute.

The Philadelphia Union 2020 season continues in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Additional details will be announced at a later date.