A Transatlantic Celebration of Soccer: Philadelphia Union Welcomes Eintracht Frankfurt for a Saturday Friendly at Subaru Park
In what promises to be both a meaningful and competitive event, the Philadelphia Union will play host to German Bundesliga powerhouse Eintracht Frankfurt in a much-anticipated friendly match. This special fixture is scheduled to take place at Subaru Park on Saturday evening, kicking off at 5 PM ET. The event not only brings top-tier international competition to the Union’s home turf but also marks a symbolic and celebratory occasion rooted in the shared heritage and longstanding relationship between the two cities these teams represent.
An Evening to Showcase Talent and Celebrate Connections
The fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt is not just a game; it’s a bridge between cultures, cities, and soccer philosophies. For Philadelphia Union, this home game offers an opportunity to test themselves against elite European talent while allowing fans to enjoy a special occasion that transcends league play. Friendly matches like these create the space for experimentation, celebration, and international camaraderie.
These matches aren’t part of the regular Major League Soccer (MLS) season or the Bundesliga campaign. Instead, they serve as exhibitions where both clubs can explore tactical options, give minutes to younger players, and strengthen the global brand of soccer through transatlantic experiences.
This match stands out because of the broader cultural and civic bonds that link Philadelphia and Frankfurt—two cities that have nurtured a vibrant partnership for the past decade.
Eintracht Frankfurt: A German Football Institution
Founded in the late 19th century, Eintracht Frankfurt is a name that commands respect in both German and European football circles. Established in 1899, the club has enjoyed an illustrious history, filled with memorable moments, prestigious silverware, and a deep-rooted footballing culture that has stood the test of time.
Throughout its history, Frankfurt has been a symbol of resilience and ambition. The club boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, having won:
One German Championship
Five DFB-Pokal titles (German Cup)
Two UEFA Europa League titles
A runner-up finish in the European Cup (the predecessor to the UEFA Champions League)
These achievements illustrate Frankfurt’s ability to compete and succeed not only in the domestic landscape but also on the broader European stage. They are known for their intense playing style, vibrant fan culture, and for being a club that blends tradition with innovation.
Recent Success and European Qualification
Frankfurt’s recent accomplishments further reinforce its status as one of Germany’s elite. In the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, the club achieved a historic milestone by finishing third in the league standings. This strong league performance ensured them a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious club competition. It was the first time in the club’s rich history that they qualified for the tournament through their domestic league position, marking a major step forward for the team and solidifying their place among Germany’s best.
The third-place finish did not come easy—it was the product of tactical discipline, effective squad rotation, intelligent management, and standout individual performances. It set a new benchmark for what the club can achieve moving forward and raised expectations among supporters, players, and management alike.
The Deep Roots Between Philadelphia and Frankfurt
The timing of this friendly match is also deeply symbolic. 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of the official partnership between the cities of Philadelphia and Frankfurt. These two cities have maintained a vibrant sister-city relationship, facilitating exchanges in culture, education, economics, and—of course—sports. This transatlantic connection was formed with the aim of fostering cooperation and goodwill between the two regions, and it has blossomed into a multifaceted collaboration.
Soccer, being a global game, has become one of the key channels through which the partnership is expressed. Saturday’s match serves as a celebration of this ongoing relationship, bringing together fans from both sides of the Atlantic to share in the joy of the beautiful game. The match will serve not only as a competition but also as a festival of international friendship and sporting passion.
A Personal Connection: Paxten Aaronson Returns Home
Among the narratives woven into this event, perhaps none is as emotionally resonant as the return of Paxten Aaronson to Subaru Park. Aaronson, who hails from Medford, New Jersey, is a Homegrown Player developed within the Union’s highly regarded academy system. His career trajectory exemplifies the power of youth development in American soccer and showcases how MLS clubs can become pathways to European competition.
Aaronson made headlines when he signed with Eintracht Frankfurt in November 2022, leaving his boyhood club for new challenges in Germany. Since his transfer, the young midfielder has continued to evolve his game, including a loan stint with FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he gained crucial playing time and experience.
After concluding his loan spell, Aaronson rejoined Frankfurt in time for the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Now, as part of the Frankfurt squad traveling to the United States, he returns to the stadium where his professional journey began. His presence adds a heartfelt element to the match, giving Union fans the opportunity to welcome back a familiar face who once proudly wore their colors.
Aaronson’s return is likely to be one of the night’s emotional highlights. The connection between a player and his original club is always powerful, and Aaronson’s return will underscore the Union’s success in nurturing talent capable of competing on the international stage.
Recalling Their Last Meeting: A 2018 Friendly
This won’t be the first time these two clubs have squared off. Back in 2018, Philadelphia Union and Eintracht Frankfurt met in a summer exhibition match that drew a lively crowd and provided a memorable moment for fans. Played on July 14, 2018, that contest ended in a 1-0 victory for the Union, with the lone goal coming from Derrick Jones, another product of the Union’s Homegrown program.
That encounter remains a fond memory for Union supporters, who enjoyed the rare opportunity to watch their team take on one of Europe’s storied clubs and emerge victorious. The match symbolized the Union’s aspirations and their ability to go toe-to-toe with international competition.
Previous Transfers Between the Clubs
The relationship between Philadelphia Union and Eintracht Frankfurt extends beyond just civic ties and friendly matches. Over the years, there has been direct player movement between the two clubs that further underscores their working relationship.
In 2019, the Union made headlines by signing Marco Fabián, a talented Mexican international midfielder, from Eintracht Frankfurt. Fabián brought international experience and flair to the Union midfield and was a marquee addition to the MLS club at the time.
Then came the transfer of Paxten Aaronson, which added another layer to this dynamic. These exchanges of talent speak to the mutual respect and professional rapport that exists between the front offices of both organizations. It’s a partnership not just in name, but one that has resulted in meaningful soccer transactions and development opportunities for players.
Fans Eagerly Await the Match
Excitement is building in the Philadelphia area ahead of Saturday’s game. The opportunity to witness one of Germany’s top clubs face off against the hometown Union is drawing significant attention. Although the match is not part of the MLS season, the implications are far-reaching: it offers a spectacle for fans, a development opportunity for players, and a celebration of international soccer ties.
The fact that limited tickets remain speaks to the level of interest this match has generated. It’s more than a game—it’s a soccer event designed to entertain, engage, and inspire.
Subaru Park Ready for a Festive Atmosphere
Subaru Park, the home of the Union, is expected to be rocking come Saturday evening. The stadium, known for its riverside location and passionate fan base, will offer an electric backdrop for this high-profile friendly. Union supporters, many of whom have seen the club grow from its early MLS years to a consistent Eastern Conference contender, are eager to cheer on their team in a unique match-up that could only be made possible through a collaboration of leagues and cities.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s traveling fan base, too, is expected to bring energy and color to the proceedings, adding to what should be a lively, celebratory environment inside and outside the stadium.
What to Expect on the Pitch
Though friendly matches are not typically played with the intensity of competitive league fixtures, they still offer compelling soccer. Both clubs are likely to rotate players, give younger squad members a chance to shine, and experiment tactically. Union Head Coach Jim Curtin and Frankfurt’s coaching staff will likely use this opportunity to gauge the fitness levels of players, try out new formations, and test tactical schemes.
For Union players, it’s a rare and valuable opportunity to measure themselves against Champions League-caliber opponents. For Frankfurt, it’s a chance to connect with American fans and expand the club’s international presence.
Final Thoughts: A Night Where Soccer, Culture, and Community Intersect
This match is not just about 90 minutes of soccer. It’s a celebration of 10 years of friendship between two cities that value connection, cooperation, and the global language of sports. It brings together fans, cultures, and athletes in a shared space, demonstrating how soccer continues to grow as a bridge across borders.
With Paxten Aaronson’s emotional return, the backdrop of a successful Bundesliga campaign for Frankfurt, and the legacy of the Union’s Homegrown program, this match checks every box: emotional significance, sporting intrigue, and cultural resonance.
If you haven’t yet secured a seat for this memorable occasion, you might want to act fast. Only a limited number of tickets remain, and the atmosphere at Subaru Park promises to be unforgettable.
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