The Philadelphia Union unveiled its first mascot in franchise history, as it “hatched” during a recent introductory ceremony at the Philadelphia Zoo, writes Tom Dougherty for NBC Sports.

Phang, a big blue snake with a gold mohawk, hatched to the team’s goal song, much to the delight of the crowd that gathered for the unveiling.

The mascot is a tribute to the Union’s crest. It depicts a rattlesnake in homage to the political cartoon (“Join, or Die”) attributed to Benjamin Franklin.

The mascot will pump up the crowd at Talen Energy Stadium as the Union moves through the rest of its season. The team is currently ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, and is now positioned to make the Major League Soccer playoffs for just the third time in franchise history.

Read more about Phang, the Philadelphia Union’s new mascot, at NBC Sports by clicking here.

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