It will serve as the debut site of the Union, which will open the 2010 MLS season against the 2009 expansion Seattle Sounders on Thursday, March 25, a source close to the league confirmed to the Daily News. Qwest Field is also the site of the upcoming MLS Cup on Nov. 22.

The Union also announced plans yesterday to play soon-to-be Eastern Conference rival D.C. United in its 2010 home opener Saturday, April 10, at 3 p.m. The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field, due to the ongoing construction of the Union's 18,500-seat stadium in Chester.

"Bringing our great fans together with D.C. United's supporters should create an incredible atmosphere to kick things off," said Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz. "Since we now know that our stadium will not be ready in early April, we made this decision to enable the league to move forward with its plans. Construction is moving along rapidly, and I can assure everyone that we will play the vast majority of our games in Chester [next] season."

The team also announced its partnership with the Eagles and Lincoln Financial Field in an effort to bring "mega-international games" to Philadelphia. The push stems from a summer that featured the Gold Cup quarterfinals in Philadelphia; the Linc also is among 37 finalists in an effort to bring the FIFA World Cup to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022.

"We are very glad to be a part of this collaboration with Philadelphia Union," said Eagles president Joe Banner. "It's not only great for people who love sports, it is also good ultimately for the region's economy. By targeting the very best soccer clubs in Europe and South America, we are able to put Philadelphia and the region on the international stage for sports and hospitality."