MLS' newest expansion franchise, Philadelphia Union, are all set for their first official league match against Seattle Sounders on Thursday. The two freshest teams in the league will meet at Qwest Field to kick off the 2010 season and the Union players cannot wait.

"I'm glad it's (pre-season) over," said goalkeeper Chris Seitz. "All the two-a-days (training) are done. We can put in our normal work for the games. We have a game to play and it's a great opportunity to see where we're at week in and week out."

Midfielder Shea Salinas was looking forward to the chance of playing in front of a massive Seattle crowd after experiencing it last term with the San Jose Earthquakes.

"I love playing in Seattle," said Salinas. "There are 30,000 people on their feet for 90 minutes. It's awesome. When they scored on us (San Jose Earthquakes) last year, I got the chills. You don't get tired in that type of game."

And head coach Peter Nowak said all things were in place to get the season underway.

"The work has been done," Nowak said. "The players have to go back to themselves and ask, 'What's my strength?' I think overall, we've been fortunate with this group because they have been working very, very hard. Everything on paper looks good right now. We have to go and play it on the field now."