Nowak's defensive reinforcements have arrived.

Philadelphia is a hard-nosed town.

And the Union are a hard-nosed team, led by a no nonsense manager who has storied career both as a player and a coach.

On Wednesday, Nowak issued a warning to teams around the MLS. “If you want to avoid contact, I would suggest badminton or curling or chess maybe.”  He added, “This is a man’s game. If you want to compete, let’s compete.”

While much has been made of the recent war of words between Nowak and Freddie Ljungberg, the need for some help on the backline was all-too-apparent after last week’s loss to the Sounders.

Help has arrived.

At a hastily convened press conference at a downtown Irish-theme bar on Thursday, the Union unveiled a trio of brothers – Jack, Steve and Jeff Hanson –  who it is hoped will shore up the Union defense while providing some entertaining “old time soccer.”

Little is known about the brothers, who were apparently spotted by Union scouts at a amateur league game in Central Pennsylvania.

It was difficult to make out what the brothers said in answer to reporters questions as they repeatedly answered in unison, speaking over one another. At one point one of the brothers seemed to say, “We’re going in the top. That’s what we’re here for guys, to win.”

One Union fan in attendance said, “I don’t know anything about these guys, but I love them already.”