Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union: 5 Things to Watch For
Oct 11, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Fans celebrate a goal by Philadelphia Union forward Andrew Wenger (9) during the second half of the match against the Columbus Crew at PPL Park. The Columbus Crew won the match 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
1. Philadelphia Union Fans
The Philadelphia Union fans have been forced to endure a roller coaster this season. They started out watching a season seem to end before it even got started. They let their frustrations be known about Coach John Hackworth at the time and then he was fired.
They then watched Jim Curtin lead this team to a terrific summer and back into the playoff hunt and even into the US Open Cup Final. Then the loss to Seattle in the final happened and since then, the season has taken another nosedive.
After the past two games at PPL Park (against Chicago and Columbus), both ending in late game collapses, they have been back at letting their frustrations and boos be heard. As the final whistle blew this past weekend, boos reigned down from the crowd after the Philadelphia Union dropped what looked like a sure win after they went up 2-0.
Now the Union are officially out of the playoffs, how will the fans respond at PPL Park this Saturday night. This is their final chance this season to voice their displeasure at PPL Park. Some fans will be there to enjoy the game. Some will go just to boo the Union, whether it is the players, Jim Curtin, Nick Sakiewicz or all of the above.
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Other fans will simply not show up because of the disappointment to the season. This may be the most interesting aspect of it. How many of the fans, most notably the season ticket holders, will actually show up. That would surely send a message to the front office if the last home game is being played in front of a half empty stadium.
It is definitely something to keep an eye on because if there is something Philadelphia sports fans are known for, it is that they are not shy of showing they are not happy. Keep an eye on this as well as the other four ideas this Saturday night as Sporting Kansas City take on the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.