Photo: Earl Gardner

While our usual locals at the MLS level continue their scoring drought, many younger faces from around the area continue to draw attention.

Always a great opportunity to see young talent on display, this week’s Union Reserves 3–3 draw against Columbus gave us a glimpse at the future of the team. The Union’s three current Homegrown Players— Zach Pfeffer, Jimmy McLaughlin, and Christhian Hernandez—all played a full 90 minutes and academy player Brian Nana-Sinkam replaced Roger Torres in the 46th minute. Pfeffer in particular stood out, scoring a beauty of an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute after dribbling through the Crew Reserves’ defense and beating out Harrisburg City Islander’s Nick Noble, who was in goal for Columbus.

In other news, Union academy prospect and Downington native Zack Steffen got his first call up to the United States Men’s National U-20 Team. While Steffen, who is an FC Delco alum and currently plays at Zach MacMath’s alma mater, the University of Maryland, has yet to see time with the U-20s, he seems to sit only behind EPL-side Southampton’s Cody Cropper as the top young goalkeeping prospect in the country.

Speaking of goalkeepers, the inevitable seems to have finally happened in New York. As we’ve stated before, the Red Bulls were set to make some tough choices that would affect two locals who make their livings between the pipes. With rookie phenom Ryan Meara injured, Humelstown’s Bill Gaudette has been filling in strongly in goal for New York. Week’s ago, however, the Red Bulls signed the much sought after Luis Robles. While Gaudette continued in the starting role, it seemed inevitable that he would be bumped for the one-time US international. After suffering a back injury in practice last week, Gaudette was relegated to the bench in favor of Robles, pushing Philadelphia’s own Jeremy Vuolo even further down New York’s goalkeeper depth chart.

Major League Soccer

Antoine Hoppenot, M/F, Philadelphia — Played 33 minutes in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Columbus.  Season: 20 games, 3 starts, 2 goals for Philadelphia. 4 games, 1 goal for Harrisburg.

Cristhian Hernandez, M, Philadelphia —  Did not play. Season: 2 games.

Chris Albright, D, Philadelphia — In the 18, but did not play. Season: 5 games, 2 starts.

Zach Pfeffer, M, Philadelphia — Did not play. Season: 0 games.

Jimmy McLaughlin, M, Philadelphia — Did not play. Season: 0 games for Philadelphia, 8 games, 3 starts, 1 goal for Harrisburg.

Stephen King, M, D.C. United — Did not play. Season: 7 games, 1 start, 1 assist.

Andrew Wenger, F, Montreal — Bye week. Season: 20 games, 4 starts, 4 goals.

Zarek Valentin, D, Montreal — Bye week. Season: 14 games, 14 starts, 1 goal.

Jeff Parke, D, Seattle — Started and played 90 minutes in Saturday’s scoreless draw with Vancouver. Season: 26 games, 25 starts, 1 assist.

Mike Seamon, M, Seattle — Did not play. Season: 0 games.

Bobby Convey, M, Kansas City — Did not play. Season: 15 games, 14 starts, 1 goal, 2 assists.

Jeff Larentowicz, M, Colorado — Started and played 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Los Angeles. Season: 29 games, 29 starts, 3 goals.

Bobby Warshaw, D, Dallas — Did not play. Season: 6 games, 2 starts.

Jeremiah White, M, New England — Waived by New England on June 27, 2012. Season: 2 games.

Bill Gaudette, GK, New York —In the 18, but did not play. Season: 11 games, 11 starts, 29 saves, 14 goals allowed, and 3 clean sheets for New York. 3 games, 3 starts, 7 saves, 4 goals allowed for Los Angeles.

Jeremy Vuolo, GK, New York — Did not play. Season: 0 games.

Corey Hertzog, F, New York — Did not play. Season: 0 games for New York. 120 games, 19 starts, 11 goals, 5 assists for Wilmington.

Dan Gargan, D, Chicago — In the 18, but did not play. Season: 20 games, 17 starts.

Marcus Tracy, F, San Jose — Did not play. Season: 0 Games

NASL

Pat Hannigan, GK, San Antonio — Bye week. Season: 3 games, 6 goals allowed, 9 saves.