Hertzog: Despite loss, worthwhile trip for Union fans

LOS ANGELES >> Most Philadelphia sports fans are born into it. Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Flyers, it’s most often a family tradition.

Not Philadelphia Union supporters though. Those are borne of belief.

Saturday, they had their moment in the sun, literally, on a perfect day in Los Angeles ahead of the Union taking on Los Angeles FC in its first appearance in MLS Cup.

It was the nearly-triumphant moment of a set of supporters who threw their commitment into an idea – a soccer team representing Philadelphia, its home in Chester beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge.

The fledgling club found a small but passionate group of supporters, even in the early seasons where the team’s results didn’t merit their love.

But the Union’s growth has been organic and 13 seasons in Philadelphia is one of Major League Soccer’s model franchises, the winningest club of the past three seasons.

Their commitment was rewarded with their team on the biggest stage of American soccer, even if the result, a 3-0 penalty-kick victory for LAFC after a 3-3 two-overtime match that defied belief, ultimately wasn’t.

The true believers basked in the moment pre-match at the Union fan tailgate on Soboroff Sports Field, adjacent to the LA Memorial Coliseum and Banc of California Stadium.

Mike Blankemeyer, the travel director for leading supporters group the Sons of Ben, and wife Carol, of Fort Washington, were in attendance, helping the planning of the impromptu trip out west – the location of MLS Cup was only solidified last Sunday after LA and Philly’s conference championship victories – with Philly Sports Trips, the club’s travel planning partner.

“It’s the job I prefer over the one I get paid for,” Mike joked of his role as SoB travel director.

It was Carol who encouraged Mike to get on board with the Union from Day 1. Now, Union fandom is a way of life for the Blankemeyers: Mike attended every home match and eight away games this season and has missed only 12 home matches in franchise history.

“We’ve been in the same seats the whole time, we’ve met lifelong friends,” said Carol Blankemeyer. “We’ve seen guys we made friends with in their early 20s and now they have families, got married, have kids. We’re all together and it means a lot.”

The fan group The Corner Creeps, who at Subaru Park take up residence in the northeast corner of RIver End in section 134, made their presence known at the Union tailgate – wouldn’t you know it – in the northwest corner of the fan party.

“With the last five years, each year consecutively has gotten better and better and better,” said member Kieran Cannon, of Springfield. “I equate it to my own life, because the last five years have been upward steps on the ladder. And now I’m here.”

Considering the six-day notice and premium prices that come with it, it was an act of good fortune for anyone who could attend. It’s why the Union fan sections weren’t at capacity, many forced to cheer from afar.

Diane Baker, of Pipersville, didn’t have a choice spiritually. Her late husband Chris Baker, a British-born Arsenal supporter who died in 2021 after a nine-year fight with cancer, latched onto the Union and Corner Creeps and wouldn’t have missed the MLS Cup trip.

“I keep thinking about Chris. He would have said, ‘You have to go!’ I’m here for him,” Diane said.

“Getting out here was a pain and it was very expensive – I don’t think anyone could afford it – but being a Philadelphia team, this might not happen again,” said Delco native Tyrone Johnson, who now resides in Wilmington, Del. “This is our lives.”

Alex Seldin, of Society Hill, was another Day 1 season ticket holder reaping the rewards of his commitment. Born in New York, Seldin’s non-soccer allegiances lie there, but “The Union are the team that I can be 100 percent in on,” he said.

“I did feel like for a period of time that getting to this level was impossible, that the Union would be at best mid-table,” said Seldin. “It’s a great story and the last few years in particular have been really remarkable.”

Pottstown native Steve Reilly, a Pope John Paul II graduate, was there, joined by former PJP boys soccer coach Tom Csongradi, both original Sons of Ben members.

“Going to MLS Cup in an away atmosphere like this, it’s a different feel. It’s the game to be at,” said Reilly.

“It’s a culmination to get to MLS Cup,” said Csongradi.

The traveling fans had a battle on their hands combatting the volume of LAFC ‘3252’ supporters group filling the North End doing everything to drown out the east coasters inside the 22,000-seat venue.

When Jack Elliott’s header hit the net in the 124th minute of extra time, it was euphoria. But it was short-lived thanks to the heroics of superstar Gareth Bale and backup goalkeeper John McCarthy, a Philly native and former Union prospect who came back to break their hearts in penalty kicks.

The true culmination will have to wait for another season. Fortunately for the Union, they have supporters that will keep the faith.