Kevin Curran is a local kid who's played soccer most of his life, but even playing in college did not give him the cultural experience he's getting as captain of team USA during the Unity Cup.
"While you're on the field, if there is down time in the game you can talk to some of the players, and learn a little bit more about them," he said.
For Curran each game is a social studies lesson on a different country, a lesson he uses to learn.
"Being able to see their flag, see some of their cultural values listening to their anthem, seeing how they represent themselves on the field does say a lot about their own country and where they come from."
He says the tournament is a true testament to Philadelphia's openness, and how the city is a melting pot.
"I've honestly played against a few countries, that I have to be honest, I've never heard of--and a lot of our players are experiencing for the first time."
But when Curran and team USA take the field Oct. 12 against Liberia for the championship, he wants a win more than anything.
"We are as motivated as ever, and we are ready to get things right."
This is team USA's first time making it to the Unity Cup championship, they were eliminated twice before by the Liberian team.