Union

One all-too-familiar crappy back pass is all it takes. Here’s a look at what is being said about the Union’s honorable and spirited 1–0 loss to Manchester United on Wednesday night from MLSSoocer, ComcastSportsNet, FoxNews, USA Today, the Trentonian, the AP, the Guardian,

The Inquirer takes a closer look and learns that Ferguson was impressed with our Andrew Jacobson, who he described as “a bit of a bugger there in the second half.” Ferguson said of the Union, “I think that the Union played really powerful, aggressive, got to the ball very quickly and made it really difficult for us…Very good opponents. I thought they did very well.” You can listen to him, as well as Hackworth, McInerney, Moreno and others, here.

One question remains: who the frack is this Martin Rivas guy?!?

The Unions two Dannys—Califf and Mwanga—get the celeb treatment in Philadelphia Magazine’s “The Philly Post.” I guess that’s something.

The Sons of Ben recently launched a new website that has a lot of great graphics, links and social networking tools. Looking at the URL, this is the beta version so the site may have a few pesky kinks to work out but it’s well on the way to being a very good thing.

The Union is hosting a blood drive this Saturday at PPL Park. Photo by Nicolae Stoian.

The Union is hosting a blood drive for the Red Cross at PPL Park this Saturday from 6am until 2pm.

Harrisburg City Islanders/Independence

It was a good run. Harrisbug City Islanders lost Wednesday night 2–0 to DC United in a physical US Open Cup quarterfinal match that that had 18 fouls and four cards, of which Harrisburg had 10 and three, respectively, including a red card. There’s more on the City Islanders’ loss here and here.

Heather Mitts was on Good Day Philadelphia talking soccer.

International Friendlies

Thierry Henry will make his New York Energy Drinks debut tonight in a friendly against Tottenham. You can watch it on FSC starting at 8:30pm. Apparently he had to suffer through an interview with a couple of boneheads Fox’s New York morning show, “Good Day New York.” Boneheads on a Fox news show? Incredible!

Stuart Holden and Bolton top Toronto on penalty kicks.

At Fenway, Celtic also needed PKs to top Sporting Lisbon.

MLS

Sal Zizzo is headed for Chivas USA.

Ives Galarcep takes a look at the designated player arms race in the MLS.

MLS head Don Garber has said he won’t let Donovan go, but that hasn’t stopped Man City from revealing that he’s a transfer target.

Etc.

Martin Jol has rejected a move to Fulham, leaving open the possibility that Bob Bradley may end up there after all.

Brazil will name a new coach in the next few days.

Starting this year, two extra officials will be used in Champions League matches.

World Cup referee Howard Webb says his dream of reffing the final was tainted by the dirty play on the field.

Muslim clerics in Malaysia have said that Man U’s logo is un-Islamic because it has a devil on it and fans should not wear the club’s jersey.

Photo of Gabriel Obertoan’s goal by Paul Rudderow.