From the Board

Statement regarding the Sons of Ben involvement during Leagues Cup for 2024

The Sons of Ben (SoB) have been in discussions since February with other Supporters Groups (SGs) from the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) concerning the League's decision regarding MLS teams participation in the US Open Cup. One of the main excuses for abandoning the historic tournament is schedule congestion. Several ISC SGs see this congestion as a direct result of the new format for Leagues Cup. The Board and Capo Pool agree with this assessment and most have personally decided to boycott the upcoming Leagues Cup.

We know many Union STH have already opted-out for the Leagues Cup game. We have explained to the Coach and players that this is not about them and any noticeable lack of crowd at games should not be taken as an act against them. We have discussed our sentiment with the Union FO (they were already aware of the numbers that have not opted-in). The FO have raised their concerns at the recent meeting between SoB Leadership and the Union Owners and FO.

During the first game of the Leagues Cup (that is included in the STH package), the SoB will behave like it is any other game. Following the singing of “Four Leaf Clover” at 20:10, the Capo Pool and Game Day Crew will be leaving the capo stands. From that moment, through the end of the tournament, the SoB will have no official presence at Subaru Park. It is at this time that we invite any SoB or Union fan to join in. You can decide to leave the stadium, just sit in your seat, or maybe just stop singing and waving flags. You may also continue to attend and support throughout the tournament. In the following games, we invite all to watch or listen to the games from the SoB Lot and Union Yards if they want to support the team but not the tournament (there will be no official tailgates).

Ad Finem Fidelis