CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — The NCAA men’s soccer championship is coming to Philadelphia for the first time.

Villanova and PPL Park — home to the Philadelphia Union of MLS — will host the 2013 NCAA College Cup, Dec. 13-15. It is the culmination of the 48-team NCAA men’s soccer tournament that begins in November.

“We believe, as does the NCAA, that PPL Park and its strong geographic location in the Philadelphia region is the perfect spot to host college soccer’s pinnacle event,” Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz said. “It is only fitting that this event be played in one of the best soccer stadiums in America.”

This year’s College Cup will be held in Hoover, Ala.

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