Photo: Earl Gardner
River Cup
“1st time in my life i see such brotherhood, respect and chemistry between the front office, technical staff and owners with the fans! DOOP!”
“Definitely this Franchise and its people are UNIQUE!!! These is what we call a real FAMILY DOOP!!!”
Tweets from Faryd Mondragon (Quote 1, Quote 2)
“This is the culture we are trying to create, one big family, and we hope this is just the beginning of events like this.”
Friday’s inaugural River Cup was a smashing success, raising $25,000 Chester City United, the only outlet for youth soccer in Chester since the school district offers no soccer programs.
Against the expectations of many, myself included, the action on the field was a success as well, with the Union Front Office besting a very creditable performance by the Sons of Ben 2–1. John Hackworth assisted both UFO goals, which were scored by ticket sales account executives Nico Abelenda and Alex Carrington. SoB capo and VP Corey Furlan goal was assisted by Tony Hoffman. By all accounts, Union VP of Ticket Sales and Fan Services Mike Quarino, goalkeeper for the UFO, was the man of the match.
More than a dozen Union players were on hand to watch the game. In the match report on the Union’s website, Danny Mwanga says of Peter Nowak’s play, “‘He’s the master, he’s the real number 10,’ Mwanga said, laughing. ‘He’s the guy who cleans up stuff, picks up the ball, and finds players. He could have had two or three assists. Unfortunately, the guys on his side couldn’t finish, but his game was really good.'”
One member of the SoB squad talks to NJ.com about what it means to be on the team.
Non-SoB members may sometimes not understand the supporters group. Union fans and supporters generally may sometimes gripe about coaching decisions or policy decisions from the front office. The coaching staff may occasionally gripe about the criticism they receive from fans and the media. But, as the above quotes from Faryd Mondragon make clear, all of us are part of something very special when it comes to the Union and what the team means to the region. I’m sure I speak for thousands of Union supporters when I say, for that, I am very grateful and proud.
The countdown for the next River Cup starts now. In the meanwhile, look for PSP photographer Earl Gardner’s photo essay of the game on Sunday.
Union
Match previews for Sunday’s game in New England from the Union website, CSN Philly, the Brotherly Game.
WV Hooligan sees a 1–0 win for the Union on Sunday.
At halftime during Saturday afternoon’s match between Seattle and Colorado MLS commissioner Don Garber will announce his three picks for the All-Star roster. Among those suggested by MLSsoccer.com’s editors are three Union players, Faryd Mondragon, Carlos Valdes and Sheanon Williams. If there is any justice, at least two of them will be named by Garber.
Speaking of Sheanon Williams, Peter Nowak has said what many of us have been saying for sometime: Sheanon Williams should be considered for the national team. “When you look across the board at the right back position with the youth teams like the Olympic team, I wish that he will be considered for those teams and for the US National Team as well.”
Speaking of Carlos Valdes, Peter Nowak is full of praise. “He’s a very important part of this team. He’s a very good defender. He takes a lot of pride in how he defends. He can predict many things that happen in front of him…I think he has a great future with us. We’ll look at what he can do this season, next season, to make sure he stays with us.”
Carlos Ruiz has been a something of a divisive figure among Union supporters since he joined the club. While Ruiz, and the Union staff, continue to insist he is going nowhere, Mexican media reports continue to fuel rumors that he will leave the Union during the now open summer transfer window. The divisiveness Ruiz has created exists not only among Union supports, but within them, as this piece from the Union Dues shows.
Divisive or not in Philly, Ruiz is lending his name to bringing Guatemalan professional football players together by backing the new Guatemalan Footballers Association, the Brotherly Game reports.
Danny Mwanga is the guest on the latest edition of the Union Sound, brought to you by friend of the PSP, WYSP’s Gordon.
New England Watch
Several key absences due to injury and suspension will make the Revolution’s task against the Union that much harder.
New England is hoping to use their first half performance against Manchester United as inspiration to jump-start their season against the Union.
On Friday, New England released French defender Didier Domi.
USWNT at WWC
Yeah, she’s a fantastic coach. But did you know that Pia Sundhage is a groovy singer?
here.
Given recent disappointing performances by the USMNT, the success of the USWNT at the WWC has been a shot in the arm for US Soccer.
USWNT players talk about living under the shadow of 1999.
Pia Sundhage backs Amy Rodriguez to start against Japan even though the Philadelphia Independence forward has yet to score in the tournament.
The USWNT are happy to be getting the attention they deserve.
New Jersey is second only to California in the number of players on the USWNT.
Fellow Delran native and Rutgers graduate Peter Vermes, a member of the USMNT squad at the 1990 World Cup, is very excited for Carli Lloyd.
USA Today calls Heather O’Reilly the engine behind the USWNT’s success.
ESPNW gives props to Lauren Cheyney.
Newly signed to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, Jozy Altidore gives props to the USWNT.
Nike “doesn’t sell a stitch of team-specific clothing to suit the team’s male fans.” What to do?
CNN wonders if women’s soccer is the best kept secret in sports.
Leo Strine, the new head of Delaware’s Chancery Court and a Union season ticket holder, loves the USWNT.
While all eyes are focused on the WWC, WPS play continues, with the Independence in Atlanta tonight.
Comments