Report: Philadelphia Union Remove CEO Nick Sakiewicz Before Match With Toronto FC

Things just keep getting worse in Philadelphia. Last night the Union lost the U.S Open Cup to Sporting Kansas City in penalties, and with it a chance to redeem what has so far been a brutal season.

The Union are 9-15-7 on the season and currently sit in 8th place in the conference. A loss this weekend to Toronto FC would mean they miss the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

All this has reportedly conspired to mean the team has removed CEO Nick Sakiewicz from his duties, according to a report from CBS 3 in Philly. Sakiewicz is also an Operating Partner with the Union, which means he owns a stake in the club. CBS is reporting it would be purchased by Union owner Jay Sugarman.

The Union have struggled majorly since making the Conference Semi-finals in 2011, just their second season in Major League Soccer. Since then they have finished 8th, 7th and 6th respectively in the last three seasons, missing the playoffs each time.

Philadelphia  have also seen their attendance fall significantly since they entered the league. In their inaugural year in 2010 the team drew 19,245 per game to PPL Park, while so far this year they have drawn only 17,471 so far. That number could fall even lower as the team may no longer have any meaningful games after this weekend.

The firing will likely have no meaningful effects on the game at BMO Field this weekend, but demonstrates just how shambolic the Philadelphia Union are coming into the match as an organization. This makes this match a must win for Toronto FC, a win against the Union, coupled with other results, could see them clinch their first ever playoff spot.

The match is set to be played on Saturday at 5 PM at BMO Field.