Florida is cementing its reputation as a great retirement destination. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers added Toni Stahl and Cristian Arrieta to their roster, which now features three former Union players and Union trialist Aaron Wheeler.

More former Union player news comes from North Carolina, where Brad Knighton and Nick Zimmerman are now members of the Carolina Railhawks. The Railhawks are preparing for their first season in NASL.

Philly Soccer News doesn’t want Union fans to forget where the team spent their first round pick this year. Zac MacMath has been named Player of the Week following a pair of shutouts (4-0, 2-0) for the U-20 National team.

SBI named Faryd Mondragon the Player of the Month for March in MLS. Mondragon has to be the most impressive soccer player never to be called into action during a match.

Goal.com looks at the Union’s loyalty program, which lets you earn points for various activities throughout the year (many of which involve spending money). The Union’s take is similar but different from supporter’s programs in the EPL.

The Philadelphia Independence are officially on board to support the President’s Fitness Challenge. As an advocate for fitness, the team will promote an active lifestyle in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The Independence already launched the Independence Schools and Community Services initiative in January that puts the team in classrooms and around the city in a number of volunteer capacities.

The Columbus Crew announced a friendly match against Newcastle United. “We are pleased once again to bring top-flight international soccer right here to Columbus and to provide the best competitive challenge for our team,” said Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers, who apparently doesn’t follow Newcastle very closely.

ZonalMarking gives an in-depth tactical preview of the Madrid-Tottenham Champions League showdown. It boils down to this: Gareth Bale cannot be stopped. Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be stopped. Peter Crouch is quite large.

With Japan’s withdrawal from Copa America, European and World champions Spain will be invited in as a replacement. On hearing the news, Fernando Torres exclaimed, “Wonderful! Another opportunity for me to not score goals!”