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Philadelphia’s MLS team introduces new mascot: An alleged snake with legs and a mohawk

What’s a long-necked, two-legged blue creature with broad shoulders, a gold mohawk and two sharp fangs?

Guesses, on first take, included a punk-rock version of the Geico gecko, an athletic salamander or maybe a lizard who can dance.

But no. At the mascot-unveiling ceremony for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union on Monday, the creature was something unexpected — and maybe even unrecognizable.

“IT’S A SNAAAAKE!” the announcer yelled as the team’s new mascot burst out of a giant glowing egg at the Philadelphia Zoo. His name is Phang, the first mascot for the men’s soccer team since it was founded in 2008.