Union

Apparently the article in the Daily News by Kerith Gabriel we linked to yesterday about the Real Madrid friendly was yanked for breaking some kind of an embargo. So now there is this article in the Daily News by Kerith Gabriel saying the same thing: the Union will play Real Madrid on July 23 at the Linc.

In more power ranking news, the Union drop from no. 6 to no. 8 at ESPNsoccernet.com. “The Union’s lack of attacking punch is reaching crisis proportions. Philly has just three goals from the run of play, and two of those were set up by botched back passes.” Yep.

The Union website profiles everyone’s favorite right back, Sheanon Williams, my candidate for the most underpaid player in the league.

Justin Mapp talks to KYW’s Matt Leon ahead of Saturday’s match against his old team, Chicago Fire.

More on recent college grad Ryan Richter. Six classes in one semester AND training with the Union?!? You, sir, need a vacation!

In view of the Union’s recent poor run, The Union Dues takes stock of the inventory at the Union and says. “Seriously, lets keep this in perspective.”

Independence

Laura del Rio, who scored the game winning goal against Atlanta on Sunday, is profiled on the Independence website.

There will be a meet and greet with the Independence players and coaching staff on Friday, May 27 at Kildare’s Pub in West Chester.

Local

Will Bates, Brian Span and Brian Ownby combined for three goals and two assists to give Reading United a 4–1 win over Westchester Flames on Wednesday. Reading have outscored their opponents 11–2 in their past three games.

Harrisburg City Islander’s Andrew Marshall broke his foot in practice on Tuesday.

MLS

Robert Pires says Thierry Henry wants him in MLS. Come on over, I say. I’d love to watch Carlos Valdes own his ever-aging ass.

Werder Bremen and Germany international midfielder Torsten Frings is another aging player being linked to a move to MLS.

Once again, ESPN disses the Union on a Top Ten list, this time on the Top Ten Underpaid and Overpaid Players in MLS lists. Sheanon Williams is not on the underpaid list and Carlos Ruiz is not on the overpaid list. Former Union midfielder Fred did make the overpaid list.

The draw for the preliminary round of the 2011-2012 CONCACAF Champions League was made on Wednesday.

US

The USWNT defeated Japan 2–0 on Wednesday night with the Independence’s Amy Rodriguez scoring the first goal. Megan Rapinoe turned in a fine performance and Lori Lindsey provided good work off the bench.

AS Roma is reportedly interested in Michael Bradley as well as Landon Donovan.

The US U-20 team played the France U-20s to a 3–3 draw on Tuesday.

Elsewhere

After news that FIFA will meet with the whistleblower who alleges the Qatar 2022 bid committee bribed FIFA members from Africa for their vote, Sepp Blatter says he will not rule out the possibility of re-staging the vote for the 2022 World Cup hosting rights if allegations of bribery are proven. USA! USA! USA!

Despite earning record income, the Guardian reports that Premiership clubs collectively lost half a billion pounds.