The Inquirer reports on the Union’s expectation of a loud greeting in Seattle. Also at the Inquirer: Nowak promises effort, if nothing else; memories of first meeting Sackiewicz; a piece on the ending of Philly’s pro-soccer drought and video of the players talking about preseason training and what needs to improve.

Keith Hickey has a preview of what to expect from the Union at Goal.com. He also reports on what Danny Califf is thinking. Meanwhile, Goal.com has another piece entitled “5 Reasons The Sounders Will Win.”

WVHooligan includes Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney in Rookie Watch list.

CSNphilly.com has an excellent piece full of quotes from Union players ahead of today’s game.

Some toothy joker at the Delaware County Daily Times has a wise ass piece about the Union filled with such amazing insights as “soccer struggles to gain widespread popularity” and “Philadelphia sports fans are quick to embrace major-league winners.” And don’t get me started on the cornball that passes for humor in the piece.

We’re on the wire! Here’s the Canadian AP piece on the Union’s debut.

Set Piece Analysts have a season preview podcast.

Goal.com reports on players cut ahead of Wednesday’s MLS roster deadline.

The Toronto Globe & Mail reports that Toronto will host the 2010 MLS Cup.

The Inquirer looks at competitive balance in MLS.

The Columbus Dispatch ponders five issues faced by MLS.

Sports Illustrated has a good piece on how both the owners and players have reason to be pleased with the new CBA.

Bob Bradley is named the 2009 National Coach of the Year by the US Olympic Committee, becoming the first soccer coach to be so honored since the award was started in 1996.

I’ll admit it, professional indoor soccer, at least since I was 13 or 14, is generally a little under my radar. Philly Soccer News has a nice piece on Peter Pappas, the KiXX goalie whose number was recently retired. Pappas seems like a genuinely good guy.