Photo: Nicolae Stoian
Philadelphia Union
The Peter Nowak lawsuit against the Union has proven to be a goldmine of talking points, from such information as the yearly salary and perks the former Union coach received, to accusations that he endangered players’ health and fostered a work environment of fear and intimidation. On Tuesday, Jonathan Tannenwald reported that, according to recently filed court documents, “Nowak ‘may have improperly profited from player transactions’ involving ‘contracts for players in South America’ while manager of the team.” This newest nugget comes to light through a series of email exchanges between Nowak’s lawyers and the Union’s lawyers. No specifics—such as which player transactions were involved and what how much money Nowak may have improperly received—are revealed and the article contains no comments about the new allegations from Nowak, the Union, or their lawyers.
The Sports Network and Soccer Wire preview Thursday’s game against DC United. FOr a more local perspective, there’s the Union Dues preview.
Black and Red United offers its take on what DC’s starting XI will be. Yes, they expect Pajoy to start. Hopefully, he won’t become the first former Union player to score on his old team.
With Dwayne De Rosario out for the rest of the season, Branko Boskovic could become key to DC’s postseason aspirations. Why I can’t read this article in which he discusses his frustration with the amount of playing time he is getting without hearing a fake Eastern European accent is another issue.
Amobi Okugo is the guest on the Union Sound podcast.
Sheanon Williams comes in at No. 6 in the Castrol Weekly Top 20. The top five players in the Full Castrol Index are Jack McInerney (No. 39), Zac MacMath (No. 60), Amobi Okugo (No. 101), Gabriel Gomez (No. 102), and Carlos Valdes (No. 106).
Williams also received an honorable mention in MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Week.
The Union drop one spot to No. 15 in the power rankings at Sporting News, which is also where ProSoccerTalk has them. At Soccer America, they remain at No. 16. Goal.com keeps them at No. 14 while ESPN drops them one spot to No. 14.
Union Dues was not pleased following the Toronto game. Brotherly Game tries to deal with the empty feeling that followed the draw by channeling their inner-Emily Dickinson.
Chris Albright talks about leadership and providing an example of professionalism to his much younger teammates. The Philly-native also describes his long-term commitment to the Union, which includes a desire to perhaps be with the club in a coaching capacity after he retires.
Chris Konopka recently took some time out to jam with School of Rock Philadelphia.
Local
The Daily Princetonian profiles Matt and Thomas Tanner, two brothers on Princeton’s soccer team.
MLS
Third place New York (49 points) hosts first place Kansas City (51 points) tonight but the only way to watch it is on MLS Live or Direct Kick (7pm).
A stoppage time penalty kick was enough for RSL to defeat Tauro 1–0 in CONCACAF Champions League play. LA Galaxy face Puerto Rico Islanders tonight at 8pm on FSC, with Seattle traveling to face Marathon at 10pm.
The AP reports that Anschutz Co. is planning to sell the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the company that owns LA Galaxy and the Home Depot Center.
More on opposition to the proposed MLS stadium in Queens from CapitalNewYork.com.
“I pledge to treat others with dignity and respect and will not tolerate discrimination, bias, prejudice or harassment of any kind.” If that sounds like something you agree with, follow this link to pledge your support. MLS W.O.R.K.S will make a donation on behalf of each pledge.
Women’s Soccer
More on Monday’s meeting that we linked to yesterday about a new women’s professional league from the Equalizer and Sports Myriad.
The Sports Carton takes its time in saying it but eventually points to Germany as the model for a new women’s league.
US
Christie Rampone says she will not retire after all and is committing to at least one more year with the national team. She also describes suggestions that she could be a replacement for Pia Sunhage as “hilarious.”
The AP talks to the “It Girl,” Alex Morgan. Morgan talks to SI about Twitter.
Elsewhere
If yesterday’s Real Madid vs. Manchester City match was anything to go by, the 2012-13 Champions League is going to be one for the ages. Today at 2:30pm, Chelsea vs. Juventus is on Fox Soccer and Manchester United vs. Galatasaray is on Fox Soccer Plus. For the full listings of all of today’s live matches, look here.
Goal-line technology is on track to be installed at two stadiums in Japan ahead of the Club World Cup.
FIFA has extended the two-month suspension of Benfica defender Luisao to cover all competitions. You will recall that he attacked a ref in a preseason friendly.
That’s right: the Real Madid vs. Manchester City match was a cracker and 150% entertainment. Worthy of a Champions League semi-final or final. What a way to start to Champions League!!
The sale of AEG could have a broad effect on MLS. The acquisition of Beckham has been interesting on the field and beneficial financially to the entire league- not sure many/any other owners would have been able to bring him over as AEG did (made the contact, convinced him to come to LA instead of Milan, got him to stick with Donovan and the rest of the Galaxy). Hopefully a comparably committed and liquid buyer will emerge.