Philadelphia Union Soccer and The DOOP Tradition

One of the most striking aspects of the Philadelphia Union culture is the tradition of “DOOP,” which has become synonymous with the club.

The Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer team that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of soccer in the United States. Since the team’s establishment in 2008 and subsequent entry into the MLS in 2010, the Philadelphia Union has developed a strong fan base and a unique culture that sets it apart from other teams in the league.

The Philadelphia Union: A Brief History

The Philadelphia Union, based in the city known for its deep American history and passionate sports culture, has become a significant force in American soccer. Headquartered in Chester, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Philadelphia, the Union plays their home games at Subaru Park, a state-of-the-art stadium that sits on the banks of the Delaware River.

Over the years, the Union has grown and developed into a competitive team in the MLS. They’ve had several notable players over the years, including Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Bedoya, and Andre Blake, who have all contributed significantly to the team’s successes. The Union won their first major trophy, the Supporters’ Shield, in 2020, signifying the best regular-season record in the MLS.

The Origin of DOOP

DOOP is a unique tradition that separates Philadelphia Union fans from the rest of the league. But what exactly does DOOP mean, and where did it originate?

The term “DOOP” is actually an onomatopoeic word that originated from a song named “Maria (I Like It Loud),” which was covered by the German band Scooter. The song features a repetitive, catchy tune followed by the sound “doop-doop-doop.” The Union adopted this song to be played in the stadium after every goal the team scores at home.

When former Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz was searching for a goal-scoring anthem for the team, he chanced upon the song during a trip to Germany. Recognizing its potential, Sakiewicz decided to bring it back to Philadelphia. This catchy tune quickly caught on and was embraced by the fans, and “DOOP” became an integral part of the Union’s identity.

The Impact of DOOP

The DOOP tradition has added a unique, vibrant atmosphere to Union games. After every goal scored by the Union at Subaru Park, the song blares over the loudspeakers as fans join in the celebration by chanting “DOOP” in unison. This has become a widely recognized ritual and is a much-anticipated part of every home game.

In addition to the in-game celebration, DOOP has permeated the wider culture of Union fandom. It’s not uncommon to hear Union fans refer to scoring a goal as “DOOPing,” and the word itself has been incorporated into various fan chants and songs.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Union and the tradition of DOOP have become inseparable. This unique ritual encapsulates the spirit of the team and its fans, blending the love of the game with a distinctive sense of camaraderie and shared identity. Whether you’re a long-time soccer fan or new to the sport, experiencing a Philadelphia Union match, complete with a chorus of DOOPs after a goal, is a must for anyone looking to understand and appreciate the local soccer culture in Philadelphia.

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