Sporting Kansas City are expecting a traveling contingent of around 800 fans for their U.S. Open Cup final match against the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
"I think it's a great gesture of support," said Sean Dane, a board member for an SKC supporters group, told MLSsoccer.com on Monday.
"Obviously, since OnGoal purchased Sporting Kansas City, the dedication to supporters and realizing the value of away support -- for the team, the players, to know those people are there -- I think that's huge.
"We've got, I think, 800 people who are going to invest several hundred dollars of their own money to fly to Philadelphia. It is a really nice sentiment from the team to understand that."
Sporting Kansas City bought a block of 1,000 tickets for the final, with the other 200 allocated to the players and their friends and family.
Kansas City's home support has been massive as well, with the club having sold out 68 consecutive MLS games and counting. SKC players like captain Matt Besler appreciate the strong support.
"That relationship is special, and it means a lot to us as players because we feel like it doesn't happen like that at every club," Besler said.
"We're all fortunate that it does at Sporting Kansas City, and we all feel the effects of it. When we go on the road and we see so many traveling supporters, it does have an effect on how we play and it does give us an extra boost. We can feel the support of our fans no matter where we play.
"There's been a buildup to this game, and we know there are going to be traveling fans as well, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to win the Cup for us and the club and also for the fans."