Featured image: The Bethlehem Steel FC victory float after winning their second US Open Cup, then known as the National Challenge Cup, on May 6, 1916. (Photo: (Photo: University Archives & Special Collections Department, Lovejoy Library, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville)

Tuesday night will be the first time that the Philadelphia Union has hosted a US Open Cup match.

Former Boston Breakers (WPS) General Manager, Andy Crossley, runs a great site called Fun While It Lasted where I love to go to see the great history and information he digs up about minor league franchises that have come and gone in the American sports landscape. I especially enjoy anytime he posts something regarding soccer teams that once played in the D.

The recent release of the designs for the new Philadelphia Union home and away kits got me thinking about the evolution of the kit designs of other teams in Philadelphia soccer history. Today, the regular release of new jerseys is an important part of the marketing of a professional team, not to mention a lucrative source of revenue.

Barney Battles.
A name worthy of echoing down the decades. And Scottish football can boast two of them.
Both with a tale to tell.
Barney Battles Senior played for Celtic, Liverpool, Dundee, Hearts and Kilmarnock and was capped for Scotland three times.
In 1896 he went on strike at Celtic because he'd been criticised by a number of journalists.

Featured image: Bethlehem Steel in 1915 displaying their already impressive trophy collection. They would add their first US Open Cup, then known as the National Challenge Cup, on May 3, 1915 when they defeated Brooklyn Celtic in the final.. (Photo: Courtesy of Dan Morrison.)

Tuesday night will mark the 98th edition of the US Open Cup.

As has been previously described on the PSP, the friendly has historically been an important opportunity for the transmission of new football tactics. It's also a great way for clubs and federations to make some money and for hitherto unknown players to be seen by top clubs. From the fan's perspective, the friendly is often a rare opportunity to see top flight international soccer and also serves as an important community builder, whether those communities are ethnic groups that identify with particular international clubs or the soccer community as a whole.

First, Happy 16th Season MLS!
I am a voracious reader. For several years, I commuted to Boston on the train every day. During that time I would go through a book a week (sometimes two depending on how quick a read the books were). I know that this might not seem to be linked to MLS starting its 16th season, just hear me out.