It’s a jam-packed June! Raspberry!

In case you haven’t heard, the Union have signed former US National Team assistant coach Peter Nowak as manager. Nowak has a deep resume as a professional player, Polish national team player, and is the only person to win the MLS Cup as both a player and a coach.

The team is holding a meet-the-coach party on Wednesday from 8-10 at Tir Na Nog – where 16th, Arch and the Franklin Parkway all meet. We’ll be staying there afterward to watch the US-Costa Rica game that starts at 10. Although it’s a national team match, we’re encouraging everyone to show up in SoB gear to show our numbers.

The Delaware Valley Infantry viewing party for the US-Honduras match will be Saturday at 8:00 at the Iron Abbey at 680 N. Horsham Rd. (611) Hatboro, PA. Look for the “na Brasa” sign, as it’s more visible. It’s just a few minutes north of the Willow Grove exit of the turnpike…it’s on the right, right before the air base if you’re coming from the turnpike or points south. Everyone that I’ve talked to has loved this place…great atmosphere, really good food and an amazing beer list. We hope to see you there!

The first round of the 96th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup starts next week, and we have a few local teams in the hunt. The Ocean City Barons and Reading Rage both survived the very strenuous PDL qualifying process, and the Harrisburg City Islanders automatically qualified as a USL2 team. Next Tuesday, the 9th, we’ll be taking another trip out to Harrisburg to see the City Islanders host the Rage, and will be rooting for both teams. For those in a more downtheshore-ly direction, Ocean City is hosting USL2’s Crystal Palace Baltimore at Carey Stadium at 5th and Atlantic. Both games start at 7.

The DVI scarves are currently being printed…we’ll be shipping them out as soon as they arrive! They’ve got to be sent here from Poland, but they’ll definitely be on your doorstep by the end of the month.

Look for 2009 SoB scarves in an upcoming ‘nack.

There have been some questions about the membership dues that were mentioned in the last ‘nack. For this year they’re going to be very cheap (probably $10), and in subsequent years they’ll be in line with other established, well-organized supporters’ clubs (in the $25-$40 range). Again, being a full member will be required to buy seats in the supporters’ section. You can still be an associate member and receive the ‘nack but are not eligible for any of the perks provided to full members (tailgate discounts, etc.)

The reason why tickets are cheapest in the supporters’ section is because we’re there to provide the largest home-field advantage possible. However, providing that atmosphere isn’t free…we’re going to have expenses like flags and banners, as well as other expenses involved with running the club like grills and tables for tailgating, website costs, etc. The Sons of Ben are an all-volunteer organization, registered as a non-profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we’re currently applying for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. We look forward to your support and assistance.

If there’s any questions about viewing parties, the US Open Cup matches, dues, or anything else, feel free to reply.

Ad Finem Fidelis