The Philadelphia Union will become the 16th MLS club at the start of next season and will play in the new Chester Stadium. But news came out this morning that their first game could be in another venue.

Philadelphia’s front office are keeping their options open as to the site of the first kick in 2010. Right now the likely destination for the first Union game will be at a NFL venue, Lincoln Financial Field.

This stadium hosted both Gold Cup and international friendlies this summer and is no stranger to soccer. Sure its disappointing to hear that Union won’t be in their new stadium at the start of next year but if they can pack in a good chunk of fans at this venue like Seattle did to open their expansion season this year it could be a good thing.

Word has it the opening kick schedule for next season could be out in a couple weeks too. Steve Goff reported this morning that it has undergone a couple different revisions as of late.

Via PhiladelphiaUnion.com. A little backstory on the logo (for those who haven’t heard it by now).

Don’t forget, MLS Philadelphia will unveil their new name, logo and colors today at 11:30 EDT. I hope to get some sort of video or photos from the event. If you are attending and are taking any sort of photos feel free to send them in (drew.epperley@gmail.com).

As we all know the new MLS club in Philadelphia will more than likely be called Philadelphia Union but the Philadelphia Inquire posted something today that could mean the name is still up in the air.

A giant list was reduced to 135 choices, then to four announced finalists. Fans voted at Philly.com, the team pledging to abide by the results so long as the balloting was decisive.

The other finalists were Philadelphia SC, the initials standing for “Soccer Club;” Philadelphia AC, for “Athletic Club,” and Philadelphia City.

AC or SC could still be added to the name Union.

So maybe it will be Philadelphia Union AC or SC? Or as someone wrote to me recently it could end up as Union Philadelphia or Union Philadelphia SC? Honestly I kind of hope it just stays with Philadelphia Union, even with the initials being P.U. I don’t know but that is just me, the name has already started to grow on me and the logo is something that should not be messed with at this point.

What do you think? Add a SC or AC to the name or keep it Union?

I’m sure by now you’ve all seen this logo somewhere on the ‘net.

You know the more I say the name the better I like it. I know its kind of a cheap attempt to call them United but Union works for me for some reason. Plus lets be honest we have far worse names in the league already so this one isn’t that bad. Also, it probably has more to do with the bad ass crest that was leaked yesterday. The colors are great and really it may be the best logo in the league.

What do you make of it? Sad to not see a better name? Would you take a better name even if it meant the logo wasn’t as good?