MLSinPhilly.com: A Hint of Cosmos to Come?

By: Laurie | February 3rd, 2008

A few interesting little tidbits on the possibility of a Philadelphia expansion team.

First, DuNord gives us this little nugget:

“Of course someone on Big Soccer unearthed this gem: MLS has officially registered the web domain ‘mlsinphilly.com’. Nothing there, yet.”

If true (and why would I even question this? DuNord knows all), it would appear to give credibility to the rumors that the Sons of Bens’ dreams are coming true, and Philadelphia will be the next MLS franchise.

Second, from the New York Times’ Goal blog:

The [Philadelphia] group is working with the former M.L.S. executive Nick Sakiewicz and is considering naming the team the Cosmos.

Cosmos?!? Seriously? That has to be a joke, right? Somebody having a little fun at the expense of gullible soccer fans like you and me? Or maybe not. Because being a retread of an NASL team from another city is so much more exciting than striking out on your own.

UPDATE: I swear, absolutely and positively, that the quote was there yesterday. It’s not there now. Make up your own minds. (I knew it was too MLS-trashy-good to be true.)

But at any rate. What is it, specifically, that is putting Philadelphia in the soccer news and potentially bringing the Philiadelphia expansion team dreams closer to reality?

In a word: money. Government money.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell announced plans on Thursday for $47 million in state funding to assist in the construction of an expected 18,500-seat stadium on Chester’s waterfront. …

Of that money in the state funding, $25 million will be directed toward the stadium if the city receives an MLS expansion team. Delaware County has also committed $30 million. Private investors are expected to donate about $80 million.

They’re aiming for a 2010 debut. The new stadium, as imagined, is shown above, with more photos here.

What does MLS head honcho Don Garber say about all of this?

“Governor Rendell’s announcement today is another very positive development toward bringing Major League Soccer to the Philadelphia area,” said Garber. “The Philadelphia market just took a big step forward and is now well positioned to receive an MLS expansion team. The opportunity to be part of a large-scale urban-renewal project along the historic Chester waterfront remains extremely appealing to us. We are eager to continue our conversations with the potential ownership group to finalize an agreement and we will provide more details shortly.”

Sounds about as definite as politic-speak can get, doesn’t it? I’m thinking, Philadelphia, welcome to MLS.

P.S. I still want a Sons of Ben scarf.