In the latest Philly Soccer Show podcast, KYW’s Greg Orlandini and Philly Soccer Page writer Eli Pearlman-Storch are joined by Philadelphia Union midfielder Kyle Nakazawa.

Nakazawa has seen his role on the team expand, from primarily defensive player in his rookie year to a more all-around player this season. In Part 1 of the pod, Nakazawa talks about some things he has been working on in his game as his place in the Union evolves.

In Part 2, Greg and Eli take a look back at the San Jose match, another 1-nil win for the Union. The game also saw a controversial red card against Union fullback Jordan Harvey. But the focus is on the positives, including the emergence of first year player Carlos Valdes. The defender has been one of the team’s best players, a stalwart on a back four that has only allowed two goals this season. Greg and Eli also look towards the Portland Timbers game on Friday.

Saturday’s win once again came from a single Union goal, a PK from Sebastian Le Toux. In Part 3 of the pod, Greg and Eli talk about whether the Portland game will finally be the break out game for the offense. The pod also talk about and another one of the fine young players on the Union, Amobi Okugo. (And a special thanks to Philly Soccer Page Photographer Earl Gardner for his musical tribute to Kyle Nakazawa).

Click here to listen to the pod.

Photo: Paul Rudderow