In the sporting world, nearly every Philadelphia and Washington team classifies their city counterpart as a rival. This juncture came to a head late Easter, when news that Donovan McNabb was being jettisoned to Washington in exchange for a couple of draft picks.
Later on Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies easily saw off the challenge from Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, trouncing the home team 11-1.
Adding icing on the cake for the round-ball fans in both cities is that Philadelphia plays D.C. United in what will be the first-ever home game for the Union. In a week where the two cities became intrinsically linked in two sports, a third layer is added as Lincoln Financial Field will play host to the United-Union match-up as the region finally gets top-level soccer.
While Philadelphia struggled in their first-ever game in Seattle, the home crowd will surely have them fired up as the fifth sport in the U.S. will join the rest of the crowded sports landscape in Philadelphia. While some rivalries are a bit more diminutive than others (Wizards-Sixers anyone?), the presence of approximately 1,000 D.C. fans making the trip up I-95, will ensure that wild scenes will be prevalent Saturday evening.
On the pitch, a lot is at stake for D.C. United has failed to score a goal yet this season, while conceding six. Philadelphia couldn’t best the tough Seattle defense in their opening match, and will look to test a rebuilt United back line. If the D.C. attack, that has struggled so much in two games, can’t get anything going against a mediocre Union side, the alarm bells for United fans will only increase in volume.
The intrigue of the match becomes all the more, considering the roots of Union head coach Peter Nowak. The former United head coach was the last coach in the nation’s capital to win an MLS Cup, and he’ll certainly be out to get one over his old club. Midfielders Fred and Andrew Jacobson hail from the ranks of former United players, and each could have a say in how this match plays out.
No matter the outcome, the potential rivalry brewing here must whet the appetite for either club. United’s front office is pulling out the stops, complete with a bus trip up to the Linc. Expect Philadelphia to return the favor when the two sides meet again in August.
If all turns out as expected, another blossoming MLS rivalry is on the cusp of creation.
