It’s been a busy week for the Philadelphia Union and today their new USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC topped it off with a big announcement.
Former New York Cosmos Director of Sales Rich Searls has been hired as the Steel’s first managing director. According to a press release from the team, Searls will “oversee all business operations for the expansion club, which will serve as the official USL affiliate of the Philadelphia Union.”
Searls played a large part in re-launching the Cosmos team before their first season back in the NASL. Searls saw the team reach the highest average attendance in the league as director of sales and formerly enjoyed a lengthy spell with the New York Red Bulls.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to join Bethlehem Steel FC, and I want to thank Jay Sugarman, Richie Graham and Dave for this opportunity,” Searls stated in the Union’s official press release. “We have ambitious goals of becoming the standard bearer of our growing league, and I’m really looking forward to being a driving member of the cause. I can’t wait to get started.”
It’s been a big week for Soccer in Philadelphia, the exciting part is..this is just the beginning.
