Union

According to the Geman newspaper Nürnberg Zeitung, Toronto FC are also interested in Marek Mintal. In the report, FC Nürnberg Sports Director Martin Bader confirms the interest in Mintal from the Union: “There is a free request.” The report goes on to say that “Mintal himself was tight-lipped yesterday and would not comment on the speculation surrounding his future.” The article, which refers to MLS as “no longer just a lucrative haven for aging stars,” says that Mintal has played just 47 minutes this season in six substitutions.  You can read a crappy translation of the opening of the article here.

In case you missed the news, the Union have let Toni Stahl go. Importantly, this means the Union have opened a international spot on the roster for another international who might actually contribute to the team’s success. Stahl is in Sweden on trial with IFK Norrköping.

Sebastien Le Toux tells the Delco Daily Times he is happy with the Union’s draft picks. “You know, I think these players will help us, and that’s the most important thing for me. If we win games and I do not score, I am happy. And, this season, we need to win games. Hopefully, these players will help us do that.”

Noting the absence of any defensive picks, Le Toux continues. “I know we didn’t take any defenders in the draft, but that’s OK for me. The guys we have back, the people who played back there last year know each other, which means they will play together better.”

SI’s Steve Davis wonders of Zak MacMath, “Will he be an understudy or something more right away? There’s no question he’s a solid young ‘keeper who will have something to say in years to come. On the other hand, rookie goalkeepers don’t always handle themselves well when forced in too early; even the stellar Brad Guzan struggled in his first few months as a rookie starter.”

The Union website posted an article on Sunday night about our own live posting from the event on Thursday. The Union’s piece includes an informative interview with SoB president Bryan James at the 5pm mark.

Here’s a profile on Zach Pfeffer from one of the suburban papers. Beware of the cornball attempts at humor. Because, you know, Pferrer is, like, young.

The Bimbo deal continues to gain snarky attention, this time from the Guardian.

Diego Gutiérrez, the Union’s new Head of Scouting & Player Development, has been named the recipient of the 2010 Jerry Yeagley Award for Exceptional Personal Achievement by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

There’s a new Union app available for Droid users.

Independence

The Equalizer reports that the Independence will announce two international signings this week, Spanish international midfielders Laura del Rio and Veronica Boquete. Del Rio is currently with Boston and Boquete was with Chicago before they suspended operations in December.

MLS

Robbie Findley has been awarded the work permit necessary for the deal with Nottingham Forrest to go through.

A short term loan for Omar Cummings looks increasingly likely as the Colorado striker impresses at Aston Villa.

Derby coach Nigel Clough says Robbie Savage has the club’s blessing to go to Vancouver to start the season in March, although the Whitecaps say nothing firm is in place. For himself, Savage is “torn” by what decision to make.

Here’s a look at what John Rooney could mean for MLS. For Union fans, I should think Rooney could mean some hilarious chants.

FC Dallas and Kansas City are working on shirt sponsor deals.

St. Louis moves a step farther away from getting an MLS team any time soon as AC St. Louis finally pull down the shutters for good.

Changes are still ahead for the quota of Canadian players in MLS with an announcement expected “in the near future.”

More on the New York Cosmos “brand.”

US

Jermaine Jones has left Schalke to go on loan with Blackburn.

The USWNT is in China for the Four Nations tournament. Here’s a look at the tournament’s history.

Elsewhere

CONCACAF will lobby FIFA for a fourth World Cup spot.

Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama have qualified for the Gold Cup. Two spots remain open with the United States, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Cuba and Grenada already qualified.

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing $80,000 worth of cash and goods from the hotels of Costa Rican players in Panama for the Central American Cup.