If Philly Loses, Does RBNY? You Decide (POLL)

By: Dave Martinez | January 5th, 2009

This goes to show that a ground breaking ceremony means absolutely nothing.

Various sources are reporting on the prospects of a complete financial collapse, and consequently, the scrapping of the planned 16th franchise to the MLS, namely Philadelphia. Straight from the horses mouth, Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and operating partner of Keystone Sports, stated,”If the markets tank next month, then we won’t build this thing. We’ll be out USD 15 million and everyone goes home.” In context, the comment was made while negotiating for a tax exempt building zone, which was wholly rejected.

While any New York fan loves to wallow in the misery of our Philly brethren, especially in the realm of sport, what kind of impact would this have on the Red Bulls? For one thing, Philadelphia makes the ideal regional sports rivalry that this team has only been able to find in DC. No offense to New England, or more recently, Toronto, but DC United is the only team that does not depend on a single player (like Taylor Twellman or Matt Reis) or annoying fans (Toronto) to energize the fans pure hatred for a team. Philadelphia is the land of snow balls and a falling Santa Claus; the hatred is already built in. The Sons of Ben themselves have already been obnoxious, and effective, in their very vocal campaign to secure an MLS franchise in the city Rocky Balboa built, which falls in line with the Philly mystique. And besides; who wants a rivalry on the south side of Jersey? I mean, seriously. Its half the reason why I don’t drive out to the rivalry games (no offense to the ever traveling Thomas Binkley).

Personally? I think that a healthy rivalry is what helps build fandom in a growing league. DC helps, but geographically, there needs to be a stronger hatred. Hell, our “Boston” rival isn’t even in Boston, and there supporters aren’t nearly as strong as a TFC or DC.

But that’s just me.

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