Philadelphia Union

(4-8-7)

11th in East

MLS attendance up 12 percent from 2023 — and it's not all down to Messi

Attendance at MLS matches is up 12% compared to data up to the same date in 2023, the league announced on Monday. Nearly 6.5 million fans have attended a total of 279 MLS matches in the first half of the regular season — nearly 700,000 more fans than the same date in 2023. The year-to-year growth is anchored by upward trends for 25 of the league’s 29 active franchises. Nine teams are currently averaging attendance at 100 percent of their stadium’s capacity. Additionally, five matches have featured an attendance of 60,000 or higher in 2024, the most through this date in league history.

Jeff Rueter139

Which MLS teams are most entertaining to watch? 2024 edition

Tom Bogert77

MLS and its weird history of raccoons: On the field, in the press box and ruining merchandise

Pablo Maurer41

A year to go until the Club World Cup in the United States: What's going on?

Adam Crafton78

USMNT names pre-Olympic training camp roster, adding dual-national Damion Downs

Jeff Rueter and Paul Tenorio18

MLS's experimental rule changes are saving time, but causing a stir with Messi

The off-field treatment and times substitution rules are having a significant impact on games, but they're not without flaws

Jeff Rueter85

Almada, Shaqiri among potential MLS transfers to watch in summer window

Whether it's young players making a leap or teams shedding underperformers, many MLS players could be set for an exit.

Tom Bogert51

Philadelphia Union agrees new contract with Andre Blake

The Philadelphia Union and goalkeeper Andre Blake have agreed terms on a new contract. Blake’s current deal expires at the end of 2024 but the Jamaican has agreed to extend his stay in Philadelphia, sources briefed on the deal tell The Athletic. Blake is the only player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to win three Goalkeeper of the Year awards (2016, 2020, 2022). He currently holds the record for the most appearances made in the history of the Union, with 283. The 33-year-old has spent his entire career with the Union after being selected No 1 overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft...

Tom Bogert8

Why RSL-Colorado was the perfect MLS game; San Diego hire falls through: Takeaways

An eight-goal thriller between Rocky Mountain rivals showed off the very things that make the league special away from the marquee teams

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter17

MLSPA salary release takeaways: What we learned from the day agents and GMs both dread

Which MLS teams have increased/decreased their spending the most? Now we know.

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter63

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS, earning more than 25 rosters

Plus, why Miami can pay Messi so much over the salary cap

Jeff Rueter and Tom Bogert65

Raccoon pitch invader caught with a trash can during Philadelphia Union-NYCFC match

With Lionel Messi not appearing in Inter Miami’s 0-0 draw at Orlando City due to injury, the talk of MLS on Wednesday night ended up being a raccoon. During the first half of the Philadelphia Union’s match against New York City FC, a raccoon invaded the pitch for an extended period of time. Play was halted while Subaru Park staff chased the raccoon around the pitch with a trash can. RACCOON ON THE FIELD!!! MIDWEEK @MLS AT ITS FINEST pic.twitter.com/tO8AJUrkJw — Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) May 16, 2024 Normally a human pitch invader can only evade security for a precious...

The Athletic Staff62

Why more MLS coaches aren't on the hot seat; Benteke's aerial expertise: Takeaways

Plus, diving into Christian Benteke's eye-popping and historic aerial ability after a hat trick of headers

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter66

Cavan Sullivan surpasses Freddy Adu's MLS record contract ahead of Man City move

Sullivan sets his sights on more records as he signs a professional deal with his hometown club

Tom Bogert46

Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marco Reus and more: Europe's free agents who could land in MLS

A number of big names will be available on a free transfer this summer. These ones could make sense for at least a few MLS teams.

Tom Bogert46

Lionel Messi breaks goal contribution record; Jack McGlynn scores another golazo: Takeaways

Plus, some teams find value in MLS Next Pro call-ups

Paul Tenorio, Jeff Rueter and Tom Bogert40

Philadelphia Union signs 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan to record deal, future Man City transfer agreed

The 14-year-old has signed the richest homegrown deal in MLS history, with a built-in transfer to Man City when he turns 18.

Tom Bogert122

The best and worst dealings of the MLS primary transfer window

Our writers share their superlatives for a busy winter transfer window

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter62

Where deals stand on MLS transfer deadline eve: New deal for Puig, Cincy's U-22 forward and more

The latest on transfer and trade moves before the league's primary window shuts

Tom Bogert32

Where MLS teams have improved and regressed in 2024

There's just enough sample size in the early part of the MLS season to identify some trends in how teams have changed since 2023.

Jeff Rueter51

U.S. Open Cup round of 32 draw: MLS and USL teams join, NYCFC II is last Next Pro team

The Open Cup's round of 32 features many USL vs. MLS matchups, with the lowest-ranked teams coming from USL League One

Jeff Rueter27

MLS transfer deadline preview, rule change impact, and more

MLS transfer deadline day is fast approaching, new roster rules are incoming, and a star player is once again missing. There’s lots to cover, so let’s get right to answering your questions. “Will any team make a big move before the window ends? Also any rumblings or movement about the Fire?” —Victor S. “Do you think the Houston Dynamo will sign a DP or any attacking player?” —Charles T. “Tom please, are Austin FC going to do anything significant this season?” —Andrew The MLS primary transfer window is still open, in case you forgot.

Tom Bogert33

How MLS teams will use new rule changes; coaches on the hot seat: Takeaways

Plus, an early check on the Golden Boot race now that early contenders have made themselves known

The Athletic Staff51

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told MLS owners to 'be bold' with spending

In an informal conversation with the league's board, Infantino emphasized the need for investment in MLS around the World Cup

Paul Tenorio54

MLS plans to allow teams more spending flexibility with summer rule changes

MLS owners have voted to institute a set of rule changes that would take effect this summer, pending MLSPA approval.

Paul Tenorio192

Soccer Links

leagues

International Football

NWSL

Men’s World Cup