Ben Franklin had syphilis

He did, you know. Oh, and Major League Soccer announced today that Philadelphia would be awarded the league's 16th franchise in 2010. 

According to the MLS press release, the fan-boosted bid for a team was finally accepted, shortly after former MetroStars GM Nick Sakiewicz added his considerable weight to the project (no, I'm not calling him fat), but the real driving force behind the bid was the Philly supporter's group Sons of Ben.

"The 'Sons of Ben' are what's great about the sport of soccer," Sakiewicz said. "Look at the excitement they're bringing and the team isn't even going to play a game for two years. It's just phenomenal. I think the excitement generated by this franchise and all the development surrounding it will also generate strong ticket sales. We're all very excited."

The team will be holding a contest soon to allow fans to pick the name of the club and let me go on the record now to say that this is a stupid idea -- unless you narrow down the list to four acceptable names ahead of time (see poll). Some names of soccer clubs in Philly's past and present: Philadelphia Atoms, Philadelphia Fury, Philadelphia Charge, Philadelphia Kixx, and Philadelphia Freedom (ugh).

Last August, I chided Seattle (who will receive an expansion team in 2009) for their weak fan support, and I made mention of my respect for the SOBs in Philly. So, congrats you crazy bastards.

Now, here's a drunk guy explaining the history behind the real son of Ben Franklin: