Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union has announced its full 2018 preseason schedule, centered around a return to their Clearwater, Florida base for the fourth consecutive season. The team will host two camps in Clearwater, with the second featuring the 2018 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, a preseason tournament hosted by the USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.
“Our preseason training sessions are of the utmost importance as our team gets ready for the 2018 MLS season,” said Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Clearwater has proven to be the perfect spot for us to hold our preseason, and the Suncoast Invitational also provides excellent competition to assist with our preparation. We look forward to getting back on the field and getting the 2018 season started in Florida later this month.”
The Union report back to Philadelphia to begin in-market training with team physicals on Monday, January 22, followed by training on Tuesday, January 23, with sessions expected to be held at the University of Pennsylvania, unless weather permits outdoor training at the Power Training Complex.
Members of the media should note that the Union’s 2017 Media Day is scheduled for Saturday, January 27 at Talen Energy Stadium. More information will be provided on Media Day, as well as a specific schedule for the opening week of training, as the date approaches. Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP for any training session withMatt Bodiford in order to receive the most up-to-date information on availability, timing and location.
On Tuesday, January 30, the team flies to Florida to begin the first of two sessions in Clearwater. That camp runs from January 30 through February 8, including scrimmages at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex against the New York Red Bulls (Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m. ET), the University of South Florida (Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET) and the Chicago Fire (Thursday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. ET).
After a return to Philadelphia from February 9-11, the Union travel back to Clearwater for the second camp from February 12-25, a span that includes the Suncoast Invitational.
“Clearwater, Florida has been and continues to be a wonderful place for us to host our preseason training camp,” said Chief Business Officer Tim McDermott. “It’s a great destination for our players and staff, giving them everything they need to succeed, and it’s also a great place for our fans to engage with the club in an up-close setting. We can’t wait to get down to Clearwater and kick off the 2018 season.”
The Union’s schedule in the tournament is as follows:
Saturday, February 17: Union vs. D.C. United (Al Lang Stadium), 5:00 p.m. – TICKETS
Wednesday, February 21: Union vs. Montreal Impact (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex), 7:00 p.m. – TICKETS
Saturday, February 24: Union vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (Al Lang Stadium), 7:00 p.m. –TICKETS
The Union will also scrimmage against Florida International University at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex on Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Please note that streaming information for Suncoast Invitational matches will be announced in the near future. All three Suncoast Invitational matches require tickets for entry, available now through the Tampa Bay Rowdies. All other Union training sessions and scrimmages are free and open to the public. All dates and times are subject to change.
Following the match against the Rowdies, the Union return home in preparation for the 2018 MLS regular season on Sunday, February 25. The season begins on Saturday, March 3 with a home contest against the New England Revolution.
