MLS Commissioner Don Garber was in Philadelphia Tuesday to check out the Philadelphia Union's Academy setup at YSC, as well as meet with the club ahead of its home opener on Saturday.
Garber also participated in a brief press conference at Philadelphia City Hall alongside Mayor Jim Kenney, Union Chairman and Majority Owner Jay Sugarman, Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart and Union Chief Business Officer Tim McDermott. Famed soccer commentator Tommy Smyth, who now calls Union games with JP Dellacamera, moderated the event.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was one of a select group of partners and affiliates invited to attend. The main takeaway was a reestablishment of the Union's club identity behind Stewart's and McDermott's visions. But there were wider topics as well. Mayor Kenney declared Tuesday, March 7 "Philadelphia Union March to Soccer Day" in Philadelphia. The occasion marks the build up to the team's home opener against Toronto FC. Kenney also praised the International Unity Cup, which debuted in 2016.
The highlight from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer's came when Smyth congratulated the U17 Boys ODP Team on winning last weekend's ODP National Championship.
You can buy tickets to Saturday's game here.