Photo: Earl Gardner
It’s almost time for first kick for the Philadelphia Union, and the KYW Philly Soccer Show is here to get you ready!
In the latest episode of the pod, co-hosts Greg Orlandini of KYW and PSP’s Eli Pearlman-Storch talk over some of the issues facing the team.
With just one more preseason match against DC United in Florida, the team has gone through some changes this week with two highly touted prospects—recent signing Damani Richards and draft pick Stephen Okai—no longer in the team’s camp. Also gone are Alex Mendoza and Eric Schoenle, along with trialists Pantelis Kafes and Shaun Francis.
Richards could be in the team’s long-term plans, though, and, along with Schoenle, may end up with the USL-affliate Harrisburg City Islanders.
Greg and Eli also look at what possible formations the team could use going into the season. The big question is where and how much midfielder Roger Torres will play. The Colombian has had an excellent preseason after a brutal 2012 campaign marred by injury and reduced playing time.
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Hackworth has no experience managing proven pros. He tends to have tunnel vision when it comes to his type of player. He has to prove that he can match wits with the Ziggy Schmidts and Bruce Arenas. You can’t keep a Kafes who is clearly an upgrade? Really? Time will tell and I hope Hackworth proves that he belongs in charge of a pro team. If not it’s back to the U-17s.