Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Union

Kevin Kinkead scouts DC United and says keep an eye on that Canadian fella, Dwayne “Famous Dancer” De Rosario. MLSsoccer.com’s Talking Tactics column looks at the evolution of his offensive role throughout his career. Hurt him, Danny and Carlos, hurt him.

Union Dues previews Thursday’s game and predicts a 2–2 draw featuring the return of Justin Mapp.

In this week’s power rankings roundup, the Union move up one spot to fifth at Soccer America. Elsewhere, they drop one spot to seventh following their draw with Kansas City at MLSsoccer.com and SBI. At ESPN, they move up one spot to eighth.

Ives Galarcep names Michael Farfan the Rookie of the Week at SBI and at Fox Soccer.

In a profile on his evolution to a being a regular starter at MLSsoccer.com, John Hackworth says of Roger Torres, “We’re happy Roger has definitely made the adjustment to becoming much more aware of things that are important for us as a team and important for him as an individual.”

Freddy Adu is the guest on the latest edition of the Union Sound podcast.

British newspaper the Daily Mail tells the Adu story and concludes, “Let the Freddy Adu story be an example to young American footballers, telling of the dangers of moving to European football too soon. With the standard of soccer in the MLS rising significantly each year, there is really no need to rush.”

Sheanon Williams will be live chatting on the Union website today from 1:30pm. The chat room opens at 1:20pm.

Fox News Latino says  Sebastien Le Toux is an MVP candidate but his poor first half of the season will stop him from getting the nod.

The Brotherly Game likes the new FIFA Soccer 12.

Local

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame has announced its 2011 “Coats for Chester” campaign. You can drop off your winter coat donations at locations throughout the area that are listed on the SEPA website from October 1 through November 31 as well as at PPL Park before Thursday’s game.

New Hope’s Amber Brooks, who plays her college ball at University of North Carolina, has been called up for the USWNT U-23 camp to take place October 2-7.

The La Salle women’s team is garnering national attention for its impressive play.

La Salle goalkeeper Melissa Sanger was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week for the second week in a row. She has yet to be scored on in 2011.

Lehigh’s Jordie Ciuffetelli has been named to Soccer America‘s college soccer Men’s Team of the Week. Delaware’s Roberto Gimenez is named a Player of the Week.

Penn State’s Ali Schaefer has been named a college soccer Women’s Player of the Week by Soccer America.

The Inquirer rounds up local high school action: results for Southeastern PA and South Jersey boys’ soccer, as well as Southeastern PA boys’ notes. Results for Southeastern PA and South Jersey girls’ soccer, as well as Southeastern PA girls’ notes and the South Jersey girls’ Top Ten.

MLS

Tied at 41 points, Sporting Kansas City plays Columbus Crew tonight (8:30pm, MatchDay Live).

Seattle drew 2–2 with Comunicaciones in Guatemala to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. Toronto drew 1–1 with Pumas to keep their hopes alive.

FC Dallas need their reserve players to step up (and over the writhing, whining divers) when they play Panamanian side Tauro tonight (Fox Soccer, 8pm). LA need a victory against Mexican side Monarcas Morelia (Fox Soccer, 10pm).

RSL Soapbox argues ungrammatically that it is time for instant replay in MLS.

Elsewhere

Police in Argentina searched the offices of River Plate and he Argentine Football Association on Tuesday for evidence of fraud and money laundering.

Barcelona officials have complained to Nike, maker of the team’s jerseys, that the new Dri-FIT uniforms absorb so much moisture that the added weight is slowing its players down. The Dri-FIT jerseys are made from material containing recycled plastic.