2024 has come to a close, and the Union and Union faithful embark on a season of change in 2025. It’s time to recap some favorite things that I covered in 2024, my first season in the trenches of the media, and look ahead to what some resolutions for 2025 should be.

I’m a big fan of Oasis (no, I didn’t buy tickets for their tour though… I saw them back in 2012 so I’m happy). But when coming up with a title for this piece, my brain randomly went to one of my favorite Oasis songs.

“You ain’t ever gonna burn my heart out…”

“Her soul slides away, but don’t look back in anger, I heard you say…”

At heart, I’m a Union fan. Underneath press credentials and such, at the end of the day, I’m a Philadelphia sports nut. Ask anyone who knows me. I bleed Kelly green, orange and black, and so on. But I also can flip a switch and be a neutral and professional, and when I’m in media mode, that’s what you’ll get from me. But I also got taken to my first Phillies game at age 5 at Veterans Stadium by my dad, and was hooked. I’ve lived and died with the teams. I got into the Eagles during the Randall Cunningham era (yes, kids- I remember when they actually wore the Kelly green all the time!). I became a huge Darren Daulton fan and had my heart broken by Joe Carter in 1993, but finally got to experience a championship in 2008. I saw the Sixers come so close in 2001 behind Allen Iverson, and the Flyers fall to the Blackhawks in 2010. Probably the greatest moment of my life after my wedding day was on February 4, 2018, when the Eagles won the Super Bowl. And of course, I was in Los Angeles on November 5, 2022- we know what happened there. That being said, I hope I can bring an angle to my articles that is objective and balanced, but I also enjoy covering the fan side of things and highlighting things in the fan community.

I already wrote about the 2024 Union Season Highs and Lows, so please go check that out if you haven’t. There was much to reflect on, both good and bad. This article is a little more personal, however. We started this website a year ago, and between Kyle and me, we’ve worked to put out interesting and informative articles. Here are some of my favorite ones I’ve written this year, in no particular order:

The Tiniest S.O.B. – Okay, this is my favorite one. How can it not be? BR is the cutest little unofficial mascot. I loved hearing the story and it’s always a highlight seeing BR at games. Thanks to Kelsey and Ryan for sharing her with us!

Union II are Eastern Conference Champions! – It was a pleasure covering Union II all season, and getting to know the players’ stories by having several on our podcast. While they fell short in the end, it was a memorable season.

A Chat with the Captain – Alejandro Bedoya was great to talk with and get his perspective on the team, including Jack McGlynn and Nate Harriel going to the Olympics. It wouldn’t be the last time I talked with Ale, but I have to say, I appreciate his candor every time.

A Conversation with Kai – Arguably the most consistent player for the Union in 2024, he had a great season. With all the defensive woes partially due to the goalkeeper situation, it was interesting to hear his perspective.

When It’s About So Much More Than Soccer – I love how the Union and the players support the community, and the Kick Childhood Cancer initiative. Too many children and families have to deal with childhood cancer. I cherish the friendships we’ve made with the Slocum family, and their story is one of many that we wish we didn’t need to tell.

It’s the Hope That Kills You – And finally, this one. It’s not a particularly fun, happy article. I wrote it mostly on the plane as Kyle and I flew out to Vegas the morning after the Union’s horrible home loss to Miami when they had a two-man advantage. But I wrote it from the heart and I feel like a lot of fans connected with it as it was one of our most read articles of the year.

Speaking of which… what was our most-read article of the year? Here are the top 3 (and they are all linked above):

1. “Union II are Eastern Conference Champions!”
2. “It’s the Hope That Kills You”
3. “The Tiniest S.O.B.”

Thank you to all who read our work, watch/listen to our podcast, and interact with us on social media/in person!

Looking to 2025

Disclaimer: I don’t like resolutions all that much. I don’t usually make them, and I get annoyed by all the “resolutioners” that take over the gym in January (but good for them if they keep it going and want a healthier lifestyle). But in the spirit of the season, here are my resolutions for the Union and supporters to consider.

1. Achieve a balance between development and spending for established players. Look at Columbus… that is your blueprint. This topic has been covered ad nauseam.
2. Make an effort to improve the fan experience. I’m not saying it has to be anything major, but some small changes or gestures could help.
   • Improve the parking lots (I get maybe they can’t all be paved, but come on. It’s atrocious.)
   • A better set up for “meet the team” night. Perhaps do like other teams and have a night just for the supporters’ group members.
   • Make concessions more affordable. And for goodness sake, allow each fan an unopened water bottle every game.
   • Giveaways that don’t run out in two minutes. One gripe I heard was by the time the Sons of Ben marched in, giveaways were long gone.
   • Premium seating in front of The River End? Really?? Tone deaf.
3. Get some talent on staff for creative ventures/social media, and utilize assets more. Most recently, the AI images for the holidays, especially Kwanzaa, come to mind. In the words of Jim Curtin, “Yeah, not good.” But also, the team used to put out much better content, from fun things with the players, to more well-done graphics. I am aware some of the creative design team that won awards moved on, hence the drop off, but time to step it up. Worth noting, Sage Hurley is doing a great job with “The DOOP” and her player interviews, so that is a step in the right direction.
4. Take a page out of the Flyers’ book. They got it right with being up front with fans that it was a rebuild, and they have an exciting young team right now that has a chance at the playoffs. Matvei Michkov has brought more excitement and hope than anyone has in a while. Michkov jerseys EVERYWHERE when you go the Wells Fargo Center, and a hot item (Kyle tried to find a jersey for me, in fact, but they were sold out!) And before anyone says, “Well, there is Cavan…” the difference is Michkov is 20 and was able to play with the big boys from the get-go, whereas Cavan has a lot of developing to do still, and will be moving on when he’s 18. But getting a signing that brings some excitement can rejuvenate a fan base. Ian Glavinovich could prove to be a great pickup depending on how things go, but the hype isn’t on the same level.
5. For Sons of Ben… freshen it up. There will be some new leadership, so we’ll see what they can do. I don’t know what the answer is, but we all know the chants have been stale and the River End and Subaru Park in general hasn’t been the raucous place it has been in the past. I think a lot of good thoughts were brought up in Mike Barrera’s town hall Zoom, so that’s a start.
6. For the fans… bring it, and tell a friend. If you’re in The River End, join in and be loud! If you’re in a different section, be loud! In all honesty, the season might not have great results, but you can still have a lot of fun cheering on the boys in blue. They feed off it. And spread the word about the team, bring in new fans, and help grow the fan base. Almost winning the Cup in 2022 put the team more on the radar, but the recent mediocrity did them no favors. So many people go to a Union game though and enjoy the experience, and get hooked. I know that’s how it all started for Kyle and me.

So as the new year begins, there is always a glimmer of hope with the fresh start and possibilities ahead. In the true spirit of a Philly fan, though, I have to say, be ready for ups and downs, jubilation and consternation. It’s all a part of the ride that is being a Philly fan.

“But please don’t put your life in the hands of a [soccer team] that’ll throw it all away.“

(Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II)