There is turmoil in the Union fan base for reasons other than the underwhelming season.
Consequentially, after Cruz Azul fans took over Subaru Park, a discussion took place as to whether fans should truly care about the Leagues Cup.
Love it or hate it, the League Cup is back for its second iteration, and the Union once again find themselves winning their group.
This means the Union is off to host their round-of-32 match against Montreal.
Many season ticket holders opted out.
However, does that necessarily mean they don’t care?
Cruz Azul Take Over
It should not have been a surprise to see Cruz Azul fans take over Subaru Park on Sunday night. When powerhouse Mexican teams play in the United States, their fans usually take over. The Union experienced this before when Club America came to town.
Fans of those teams don’t get to see their team often, if at all. You better believe when they come to the U.S., they are going to show out. Simultaneously, the fact so many opposing fans came in could be great in the long run for the Union. It was an opportunity to show new faces what Union soccer is about. It also allows current Union fans to experience a different environment than your regular MLS game against Chicago.
Of course, it is a tough pill to swallow to see an opposing team’s fanbase take over Subaru Park. However, given the circumstances, it was pretty much inevitable.
Is it Just Bad Timing, or Should More Fans Care?
The Union hosted Cruz Azul at a very interesting time. There is a lot of negative energy around the Leagues Cup. A lot of that energy is surrounded by the fact it is attempting to end the U.S. Open Cup. Given that, many fans opted out of the Leagues Cup to boycott in favor of the U.S. Open Cup. However, once that happened, discourse took over the Union community as to how Union fans were so outnumbered compared to Cruz Azul.
At the end of the day, the Leagues Cup is an opportunity for the Union to add to their small trophy case. That fact warrants support from the Union faithful. However, if that competition is going to take away a competition that gave many fans fond memories, they also have the right to turn their backs on it.
Opting out of the Leagues Cup does not make someone any less of a Union fan. Simultaneously, supporting the club and attending the games doesn’t necessarily mean they support the creation of the Leagues Cup.
Every fan has the right to protest or support the club in any way they want. It has been a dramatic 2024 season for the Union. From protests at the front office to boycotts of an entire competition, tensions are high in the Union fan base. It doesn’t take much to get a conversation going.
Will Any of This Matter in a Few Weeks?
The Leagues Cup will come, and it will go. A healthy way to look at it is the Union could use the competition to get something out of this season. Fans can either support the club at the stadium or from a distance in protest of the competition.
Nonetheless, the Leagues Cup will be over in a few weeks, and a lot of this won’t matter. Then, full attention will turn to if they can make something out of 2024. In the hopes of looking at the glass half full, perhaps they take a successful run through the Leagues Cup and use the momentum to make a run in MLS.
At the end of the day, support the Union in the best way that you see fit. Whether that means going to every game or taking a stand against something you don’t support.
Just don’t take the fight to fellow Union fans when they stand on a different side than you.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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