August is finally over. Let’s review what happened:

The Union started out with a loss to Colorado. PSP/KYW talked to Alexi Lalas about the dissonance between self-assurance and consistently incorrect predictions. Ed summed up the Union-Chicago tie well: U.G.L.Y. When PSP spoke with John Hackworth, he gave us some insight on how the team was dealing with the rough patch and how the coaches were trying to improve the performances.

We found out that Carlos Valdes had signed a permanent deal to stay in Philly, and that the man he ostensibly replaced, Michael Orozco-Fiscal, would be in Jurgen Klinsmann’s USMNT plans.

Eli caught up with Tony Meola when the former US goalie snuck into Philly to promote youth soccer.

The Union earned a single point with a home tie against Houston. Mike Long nailed it with a great photo essay from the Independence win over Sky Blue.

Greg and Adam caught up with Amobi Okugo on the KYW/PSP pod. Ed reacted to the US/Mexico tie: We’ll Take It!

Then Soccer By Ives announced that Freddy Adu would be joining the Union. Greg and Eli talked to Freddy on the podcast and Adam gave an extended take on the subject, then the Union extended their run of ties with a draw against Dallas.

Eli interviewed Independence goalie Nicole Barnhart, then the Independence snagged three post-season awards. Vero Boquete won player of the year, Nikkie Kryzsik was the sportswoman of the year, and Paul Riley won Dude of the Century. Philly took that momentum into the SuperSemi and knocked off magicJack 2-0.

Ed talked to Kensington SC founder Jim Hardy, the Union lost to Columbus, Thorne Holder came back, Dan Walsh looked at Pauno’s comeback, Ed went two-parter on us to find out where the goals come from.

In the lead up to the WPS final, Eli talked to Jo Lohman and Mike profiled Jen Buczkowski. Eli tried to top that by interviewing Sinead Farrelly. Mike was like, oh what! And dropped a bittersweet WPS Final report.

Peter Nowak jumped on Twitter

The Union Dues has some thoughts on the bye week.

Philadelphia Union Facebook photo caption contest!

Lamar Neagle of the Seattle Sounders is the MLS Player of the Week. Hat tricks’ll do that.

MLS Reserves talks to Kyle Beckerman. It’s so weird that he doesn’t ask him what it’s going to feel like to get whomped by the Union this weekend…

Head up to Mulligan’s Downtown Pub in Harrisburg on Wednesday to see off the City Islanders.

Chris Vito might want to follow up his interview with Nicole Barnhart by interviewing a mathematician.  “And only one team, the Independence, had defeated Western New York this season, so the odds Saturday were in their favor.” That is not quiiiiiite how it works…

Jeff DiVeronica talks about possible changes for WPS in the offseason.

The USWNT announced the roster for two September friendlies. The usual suspects are on the list.

Josie Becker has an interesting take on how NBC should handle announcers when they get their MLS deal going next year.

Klinsmann spoke to reporters yesterday. We are still at the phase where everything he says sounds perfect.

Klinsmann also said that Martin Vazquez will be his top assistant.

Jozy Altidore interview!

Stu Holden is making his return for the Bolton reserves today! Probably seems a lot bigger to the Wanderers after their midfield got overrun by Liverpool. One thing is clear: The Bolton midfield’s hair is about to get 1000% frostier!

ESPN’s Brent Lathan says Juan Pablo Ocegueda could be a solution for the US at left back. But then ESPN makes you pay to find out why. If you want to find out the details without paying, just ask PSP’s Human Storch on Twitter (@Phillysoccerpg). Dude knows everything about anything having to do with the US national teams. In fact, he already knows who wins the 2014 World Cup. (Hint: Hey France, don’t even bother going this time).

Arsenal will compensate their 3,000 fans who made the trip to Manchester with a free ticket to another away match this season.

Brazilian star Zico will head up the Iraqi national soccer team for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The best part about Sepp Blatter’s FIFA reforms so far? He’s keeping them a secret. It’s like this guy is writing a Catch-22 sequel every day he wakes up.

TheBallIsRound argues that you should never boo your own players. Does that mean they can’t play bad for us?

A poem… about Joey Barton. A poem about Joey Barton. A poem about Joey Barton.

The Shin Guardian says Bradley is rumored to be on the move. No, not Bob. Young Michael appears headed to Chievo Verona of Serie A, a team I once took to the top of the table in FIFA 06.

JP Dellacamera notes that Nat Borchers is out for this weekend’s match.