Featured image: Paul Rudderow

Union

The Union are surely feeling the effects of their performance over the last two games, earning only one point out of six. If they are in need of a boost, the news that the Union have acquired the full rights to Carlos Valdes, who was on loan from Independiente Sante Fe, just might do the trick. And if that isn’t enough, Colorado did the Union the favor of defeating Columbus Crew 2–0 on Friday night. Thanks, Colorado! We still hate you.

Brian Carroll and Justin Mapp preview tonight’s game:

The PSP preview for this evening’s match with Houston Dynamo is up. More match previews from MLSsoccer.com, Fox Soccer, the Union website, CSN Philly, Philly Soccer News, the Brotherly Game, and Unholy Union.

OptaJack tweets, “@PhilaUnion #Doop have scored in each of the 3 games they’ve played against #Dynamo, winning two and drawing one. Edge.”

While Kevin Kinkead scouts the Dynamo, here’s a look at what Houston is thinking.

Soccer Insider tweets, “If u r attending Union-Dynamo match at PPL Park, keep eye out for Juergen Klinsmann (#usmnt camp opens Sunday in Philly)” Maybe Sheanon Williams will get the look he has deserved for a long time.

Download tonight’s game guide here.

Roger Torres wins Goal of the Week for his strike against Colorado.

Here’s a look at the standouts in the recent Generation Addidas Cup. Zach Pfeffer had a fine tournament, netting four goals.

Independence

Checkout the PSP’s preview of Sunday’s game against Sky Blue. It will be the last chance for you to see them at home before they are at PPL Park for the playoffs.

In related women’s soccer at PPL Park news, the Villanova women will play the Penn women there on Friday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m.

ESPN looks at the playoff race.

Jeff Kassouf attempts to summarize the ongoing magicJack v WPS fiasco. It’s a tough task.

US

I was among those who were very excited to see Timothy Chandler selected by Jurgen Klinsmann for the USA v Mexico match. Unfortunately, Chandler is apparently “suffering an injury setback in advance of the start of the Bundesliga season” and has been replaced on the roster by FC Dallas defender Zach Loyd. Chandler’s setback was so severe he’s starting for Nurnberg today. Me thinks the Germans don’t want Chandler playing for the US.

DaMarcus Beasley was also selected for the USA v Mexico match. He said of his selection, “I was very surprised. I haven’t thought about the national team for a long time.” That’s funny, because most USMNT supporters haven’t thought about Beasley on the national team for a while, too.