MEDIA, Pa. — Delaware County officials and potential owners of a MajorLeague Soccer franchise reached a key agreement on funding for the constructionof a soccer stadium on the Chester waterfront.

The County Council and the investors group agreed to terms Friday on a dealthat calls for the county to contribute $30 million toward a proposed $115million stadium that would be home to a Philadelphia-area expansion team.

“This is a culmination of over a month’s worth of meetings where the goalsthe county set forth in beginning were met,” said Andrew Reilly, chairman ofthe County Council. “But it’s only the first step in the process.”

The MLS has 13 teams, but plans to expand by the end of the year, and hasexpressed interest in a franchise in the Philadelphia area.

The investment group also has support from Gov. Ed Rendell, who hopes theLegislature will authorize state funds for the project.

The investors want to secure public funding for the stadium in time for theleague to announce Philadelphia as an expansion team at the MLS championshipgame Nov. 18.

Chester officials have agreed to donate some land at the stadium site,located just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge.