Non Sequitur

I just discovered that Philly has it’s own soccer “firm” known as the Sons of Ben, despite the fact that the city does not have a team. Nevertheless, the SOB emulate European “firms” (as well as the 700 Level at the Vet) by consuming mass quantities of alcohol, swearing like sailors who stubbed their toes, and promising the possibility of senseless violence without a moment’s notice.



They attended the 2007 MLS Cup and enraged fans of the teams that were actually playing. They regularly trek to New England and chant “Phil-a-delphia” with their arms raised in the air. They travel to New York and chant, “We’ve won as many cups as you, Metro, Metro. We’ve won as many cups as you and we don’t have a team.”

They may very well be the most loathed vermin in the barren North American soccer landscape. A few months ago, however, MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that Philadelphia would be home to the league’s 16th franchise in 2010. Does this get me excited about soccer? No. Not in the least. Does this get me excited about soccer riots in the States? Oh yeah, big time.