Philadelphia Union: I really want to believe

The Philadelphia Union are pushing for their first MLS Cup. And I really want to believe that they can achieve something special, but I just can’t.

As an impartial reporter on Major League Soccer, you are never really meant to have favourite teams. Like any sports reporter, it is important to remain objective and rational when covering teams, especially if done in a league-wide context as we do here at MLS Multiplex.

However, it is natural, when covering the league, to be attracted to certain teams. I, for instance, have always had a soft spot for the underdogs, those that are smaller, either by finances or reputation, those that play in the right way, with moral principles and attractive styles.

And this season, one of those teams has been the Philadelphia Union. I have been doubtful of their playoff chances this season, questioning whether they have the elite quality to challenge the best in the business. But that does not prevent my wanting them to succeed.

They do certainly have plenty of reasons to be considered as MLS Cup contenders. As this piece on mlssoccer.com by Tom Bogert outlines, the Union are an excellent team that can most certainly challenge the elites in MLS when the playoffs roll around. Their central midfield is one of the best in the league, Ilsinho is a super-sub and then some, while they have a stingy defence and excellent centre-forward. Plus, Marco Fabian is yet to really get going.

But there is something holding me back from quite believing in them, to fully committing in my prediction that they can truly get over the hump and finally win that ever-elusive first club trophy. And these doubts are only intensified when competing against the likes of LAFC, Atlanta United and New York City FC, as well as the serial Western winners in MLS that are all looming.

Take last year’s U.S. Open Cup final as an example. You could have convinced me that the Philadelphia Union were better than the Houston Dynamo. And actually, I almost think that they were. But when it came to which I was more confident in winning that final, it was by far the Dynamo.

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There just seems to be a niggling doubt in the back of my mind that they cannot do it. And I’m not really sure where it comes from. It is not as if this team lacks quality or excitement. The results this season speak for themselves. But if you were to ask me for the teams I am most confident in prior to the playoffs, I would view the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy, among others, above the Union, despite thinking that they are worse teams.

Perhaps it is the natural doubt that comes with teams that have never achieved success before. No one believed Leicester City would hang onto the Premier League title. Atlanta United were always seen as bottlers last year, especially after their Supporters’ Shield capitulation. Perhaps it is the natural and inevitable shackles of hope, a hesitance to fully believe in a team that you want to succeed. Or maybe it is just subconscious questioning of their genuine ability.

Whatever it may be, I just cannot truly believe in the Philadelphia Union. And I am still not sure why.