Photo: Paul Rudderow

Union

There are many cool things in the world, but I think it’s safe to say that none are as cool as this PSP’s Ed Farnsworth compiled. For those who like to analyze trends in graphs, here is some more info.

Goal.com breaks down the implications of Shalrie Joseph’s new contract with the Revolution. Joseph will become a Designated Player when his current deal expires in 2012, thus allowed the Revs to keep him around while maintaining allocation money flexibility. Although this is certainly not what the DP rule was created to do, it is a creative stopgap until the league can figure out how to deal with sucessful, aging players who are still worth top dollar to MLS teams but are probably not big money transfer targets (basically, Joseph is worth more than the Revs could pay him under the cap, but not so much that he was going to get crazy money overseas). Goal.com thinks players like Conor Casey will be the next to test the DP model, but, also, that the door might now be open for the Union to bury Freddy Adu’s contract in DP status if they need the money for new players.

The Union’s Alecko Eskandarian visited Armenian Sisters Academy and spoke about doing what you love and loving what you do.

Seba Le Toux spoke to the Union’s Andy Jasner about his passion for winning.

Union academy striker Darius Madison has been named to the high school All-American team. Congrats!

MLS will have a new match ball next season. It’s the Euro2012 ball with MLS colors. Because America, that’s why.

Rumors continue to swirl around a number of potential Union targets, but since there is no definitive evidence of anything yet, we will just give you a quick round-up of names: Josue Martinez, Nicolas Anelka, Kepa Blanco and Michael Thurk.

Independence

The Philadelphia Independence will hold open tryouts December 8-9 at United Sports Training Center in Downingtown.

WPS/USWNT

Abby Wambach is a finalist for FIFA Player of the Year. Pia Sundhage is a finalist for coach of the year. Unfortunately (but probably fittingly) they will both probably lose to the Japanese nominees.

MLS/USA

The Whitecaps traded keeper Jay Nolly to Chicago and picked up South Korean defender Y.P. Lee.

US international goalie Brad Guzan will finally get a chance to start in the English Premier League. With Aston Villa number one Shay Given out a month, Guzan will step in and try to right the ship for the Villagers, who have been short of expectations this season. Good luck, Brad!

A Haitian all-amputee soccer team touched down in the US and got a chance to say thank you to the Americans who came to their aid following the horrific earthquake that ripped through Haiti in January 2010.

The US U-17s won the Nike International by knocking off Brazil 3-1.