Photo: Paul Rudderow

Union

The top of the Eastern Conference just got tighter. Houston’s 1–0 win over Dallas away puts them top of the Eastern Conference on 42 points. The point earned from Friday’s 1–1 draw with the Union puts Kansas City level on 41 points with Columbus, who were defeated 0–1 by LA at home, and in second place on goal difference. The Union are in fourth place with 40 points, one point ahead of New York, who defeated Portland 2–0. DC is in sixth place with 38 points after defeating Real Salt Lake 4–1, with Dwayne “Funny Dance” De Rosario scoring the fastest hat trick in MLS history. Chicago is in seventh place with 33 points after defeating last place New England 3–2. Eighth place Toronto lost 0–3 to Chivas.

If the post season started today, the Union would qualify as a wild card for the playoffs.

Sebastien Le Toux is on seven goals in the past seven games. He says, “My confidence is good. It’s nice for me to get seven goals in seven games, and it’s good for my team, but right now my own goals are not as important. It’s good to get a point tonight and it’s what we needed and we are happy with that.” I love that guy.

Unholy Union’s take on Friday night’s draw includes the views of a friend, originally from PA, who works at Livestrong Park.

The Goalkeeper offers his take on Friday’s game.

The Brotherly Game looks ahead and presents some stats. Union Dues uses those stats to conclude the Union will finish second or third in the East. Another post at Union Dues looks at the possible 15 points available in the remaining five games and concludes, “I expect them to pick up a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8.”

In case you missed it, Zac MacMath won the Save of the Week for his effort against Columbus’ Andrés Mendoza.

Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes had praise for Freddy Adu ahead of Friday’s game, even though he didn’t make the trip. “He’s good, and he’s still a young guy. He’s always been very good on the ball, and continues to be just that. He’s creative, hungry for goal opportunities for himself and others. I’m definitely happy to see that kid progressing.”

Local

La Salle’s women’s team is on a nine-game shutout streak.

Haddonfield boys’ soccer coach Joe Falana is approaching his 600th win.

Haverford School’s boys’ soccer coach Bill Brady’s career path has taken an unconventional route.

MLS

Elias Sports Bureau looks at how much game time US-born players are getting. The Union is tied with Vancouver in twelfth place with US-born players accounting for 49 percent of total minutes. San Jose tops the list with 83 percent and Toronto is last with 14 percent.

The Montreal Impact, set to enter MLS in 2012, failed to make the NASL playoffs. There are currently nine teams in the NASL.

WPS

WPS has announced the appointment of Jennifer Pogorelec O’Sullivan as the league’s new Chief Executive Officer. O’Sullivan was formerly Vice President of Legal & Labor Affairs for the Arena Football League.

US

This piece says women’s soccer in the US lacks diversity.

Potomac Soccer Wire talks to US Soccer’s chief scout, Tony Lepore.

Elsewhere

Bob Bradley has officially signed on as head coach of the Egyptian National Team. He’ll be earning $37,000 a month.

Manchester United could be without eight senior players when they face FC Basel on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Theyab Awana, the UAE player who cause a stir earlier this year when he back-heeled a penalty kick, has been killed in an automobile accident.