Union

The Union are competing with the rest of the league to win $50,000 in grant money in the Pepsi Refresh contest. They want to build a full-sized natural grass soccer field for the Chester City United soccer organization with the money. All they need to win is your vote. Vote here through September 20.

The Union has dropped to third in the MLS attendance rankings behind Seattle (36,154 average), and Toronto (20,655) The Union’s average of 20,345 is just ahead of LA Galaxy (20,319). Without the benefit of the numbers from the games at the Linc, the Union would probably rank sixth or seventh. The overall average is 16,350, up 2% from last year. San Jose has the worst numbers at 9,637, down 32% from last year. The Energy Drinks had the biggest gain, their 17,424 representing a 40% improvement over last year.

Fred, Michael Orozco Fizcal and Jose Torres live together. “They share meals, forge nicknames and carpool to work.” Tell me more!

The Union website has video on how Torres is adjusting to life in Philly as well as a tour of the place where Kyle Nakazawa and Sebastien Le Toux live. That’s how terrible the Union played on Sunday.

Kansas City Wizard’s Kei Kamara has been called up for Sierra Leone’s African Cup of Nations qualifier on September 5. Which means he won’t play the Union on September 4. I wonder what his appartment looks like?

Local

The season is over for the Harrisburg City Islanders. Relive the highs and the lows with this season review.

Here’s a look at the upcoming men’s soccer season at Chestnut Hill College.

MLS

The latest old guy linked to a move to the MLS: Gabriel Heinze.

CONCACAF Champions League

Columbus Crew lost to Mexican side Santos Laguna 1–0. A first half goal by Columbus was disallowed. Toronto FC finished with nine players in their 1–0 loss to Panamanian side Arabe Unido. Real Salt Lake face Cruz Azul away tonight at 8pm on FSC. At 10pm Seattle Sounders host Monterrey.

US

The “will he, won’t he” that is Bob Bradley and Aston Villa continues with Bradley telling Sky Sports News, “The possibility of working in the Premier League at some point would be a goal for sure. There has not been any contact…I would love to have a discussion and hear more.” I would love to stop talking about this and never hear of it again. The club is expected to announce the choice for new manager during the upcoming international break.

Here’s one look at what the US can take from its friendly against Poland on October 9.

Wanna know why the US will be selected to host the 2022 World Cup? Read this.

Etc.

FIFA have cleared North Korea of abusing its coach and players following the World Cup. After receiving assurances that the coach and team are training as usual and that no public shaming took place, FIFA has decided to close its investigation, calling earlier reports of abuse “baseless.”

Jong Tae-se, the first North Korean to play in Germany, scored twice in his debut for second division side Bochum.

Remember the video that was making all the rounds last fall of the New Mexico women’s soccer player, Elizabeth Lambert, pulling hair and throwing elbows? Well, she’s back on the team.

The Glazers have defaulted on the payment of four more of the 68 shopping malls they own in the US.

The head of England’s Professional Footballers Association is calling for US-style financial regulations for English clubs.

Jose Mourinho says the England national team’s biggest problem is Fabio Capello. “”He does not know the players. They are frightened of him and they can’t play for him…Players need clear tactics. They cannot be confused about what they have to do. It is the manager’s fault. And it is a big shame.” Oh, Jose.

Brazil’s president responds to concerns that preparations for the 2014 World Cup are off track with a call for unity.

Footy on the Telly™

Tottenham Hotspur v BSC Young Boys, 2:30pm on FSC
Ajax v Dynamo Kiev, 5pm on FSC
Cruz Azul v Real Salt Lake, 8pm on FSC
Seattle Sounders v Monterrey, 10pm on FSC