Union

The Union are stoked for Saturday’s season finale at home against Thierry Handball and the New York Energy Drinks. Says Stefani Miglioranzi, “This is for the fans. We want to put on a good show and do our very best to make it a win.”

The Drinks could rest some key players against the Union, according to the New York Post.

Though his performance has dipped recently, here’s a look at why Danny Mwanga deserves the Rookie of the Year award.

Independence

Heather Mitts, Lori Lindsey and Amy Rodriguez have been selected to be part of the 20-player US women’s team that will travel to Cancun for the 2011 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The CONCACAF qualifiers will take place in Cancun October 28 through November 8.

Local College Roundup

The Villanova men’s team topped Rutgers 1–0 on Wednesday.

The Drexel men’s team lost 2–1 to Delaware on Wednesday night.

The Penn women’s team returned to its winning ways with an emphatic 4–0 victory over Wagner on Wednesday night.

Penn State lost to No. 1 ranked Akron 2–1. Akron won on a penalty kick in double overtime.

Local

Ed Smolinski, who played in the ASL for Trenton Americans and Newark Portuguese and won two Open Cup championships with the legendary Ukrainian Nationals, will be inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame.

US

SI’s Steve Davis wonders what’s up with starting Onyewu twice.

Soccer America has nothing but praise for Jermaine Jones.

The US will get an automatic berth for the 2012 Summer Olympics qualifiers. Should the US qualify, Jack McInerney is among those expected to be crucial for the under-23 team’s success at the games in London.

While reports last week of a revamping of the Copa America tournament format to include CONCACAF members proved to be false, here’s a look at why such a change would actually make sense.

Elsewhere

George Gillett and Tom Hicks have obtained a restraining order from a judge in Texas to halt the sale of Liverpool to New England Sports Ventures, owners of the Boston Red Sox. (Bet you didn’t see that coming!) Liverpool will attempt to have the restraining order overturned in the British high court today.

Midfielder, martial arts stylist and bone breaker Nigel De Jong is considering retiring from international play after being dropped by Holland because his feelings are hurt.

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union