Union/Independence/Local

Three people are facing charges following the flare incident at Wednesday night’s victory over Celtic. Two of the three, all of whom are from New York, were charged with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct and were released on $50,000 bail. The third, described by Union president Tom Veit as “the drunken idiot,” spent the night in jail to sober up. Before being released he was ordered to appear in court at a later date. Chester Police Major Joseph Bail said, “These guys decided to come down here and be fools. It was a mixture of childish behavior and brown bottle courage.”

Nowak on Eduardo Coudet: “We are close to signing him.” The Inquirer reports that Coudet could be signed before Saturday’s match against Toronto FC. Maybe he can put a stop to DeWayne “Silly Dance” De Rosario.

Here’s an in-depth look at Danny Mwanga who says, “I grew up wanting to play in France, I’d like to play for Marseille. And it’s a dream for me to play for Chelsea.” Just give us a couple seasons first, please?

The University of Kansas website catches up with alumni and Independence defender Estelle Johnson.

Here’s a look at the Eastern Pennsylvania U-16 boys’ team that will be competing for the national championship in Overland Park, Kansas, next week.

MLS

The former Valencia star Mista is expected to make his debut for Toronto when they face the Union on Saturday.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Thursday that MLS will not let Landon Donovan go to Europe this year.

NYRB Thierry Henry has retired from international football. He also said that the move to New York is about winning trophies, not winding down his career. I didn’t realize those two things were mutually exclusive. Anyway, the Energy Drinks hint they will make another big signing soon.

In more big signing news, Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts hinted on a radio program that an announcement that Ronaldinho will be signed to LA Galaxy can be expected “in the next couple of days.” In response to earlier reports linking Ronaldinho to Brazilian club Flamengo, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said, “Ronaldinho is a Milan player and he will definitely play for Milan next season . . . I repeat: Dinho is a Milan player and he will play for Milan next season.”

Etc.

Martin Jol, not to be confused with his doppelganger Martin Jowls, has been added to the list of possible new candidates for the top job at Fulham that includes Bob Bradley. A spokesman for US Soccer said “Bob is under contract with US Soccer until the end of the year and discussions are ongoing.”

Fulham and US striker Eddie Johnson backs Bradley for the Fulham job. Of course, he’s just back from being loaned to Aris and certainly isn’t signing the checks.

DaMarcus Beasley is looking to make a move to France or Spain. So am I.

The Guardian has an excellent piece on FIFA and the organization’s unchecked greed, including how FIFA pressured Nelson Mandela, still mourning the death of his granddaughter, into attending the World Cup final. A small measure of unintentional revenge took place when the announcement confirming that FIFA dictator Sepp Blatter would receive the Order of The Companions of O R Tambo, one of South Africa’s highest honors, listed his name as “Joseph Sepp Bellend Blatter.” I assure you that “Bellend” is not Blatter’s middle name, though three cheers to the Wikipedia vandal who convinced the announcement copy writer that it was.

Footy on the Telly

Manchester United v Celtic Friday. July 16 at 7pm on ESPN2.

Philadelphia Union v Toronto FC Saturday, July 17 at 3:30pm on 6abc.

Boston Breakers v Washington Freedom Sunday, July 17 at 5pm.

DC United v LA Galaxy Sunday, July 18 at 7:30pm on FSC.