Daily news roundups

“We had them on the ropes”: reaction to LA’s rout of the U, USOC 3rd round ties, Beckham retires, more

Philadelphia Union

Before Wednesday night’s game against LA Galaxy, John Hackworth said, “There’s probably a little bit of a feeling that people don’t give us enough respect right now. Even when we go and we win games it doesn’t seem like we’re getting enough credit for it. I think having an opportunity to play LA at home is a really good game to try to make a statement. So I think there will be a little extra motivation there for sure.”

After the Union were handed a 1-4 loss, Ryan Bright wrote at CSN Philly, “The Union wanted respect. What they got was a reality check.”

So, what happened? Hackworth said, “I think we got stretched, and then I don’t think we kept possession of the ball the way we were in the first half. A lot of silly turnovers early in that second half, and we never got our momentum back, we never really put the game on our terms again, and that was really problematic in the first 15 minutes. We tried to make a couple of subs, see if that would make a difference. It would’ve been nice to go a little longer. I didn’t think they had done anything in particular that was going to break us down.”

Hackworth also said, “There were some lapses there and I think we made some glaring errors defensively as a group.”

Hackworth added, “Honestly, we played probably the best 40 minutes we’ve played in that first half, at least 40 minutes. We had the two-time defending champions on the ropes in a big way and you’ve got to be able to sustain that.”

Amobi Okugo said, “When we have them against the ropes, we have to capitalize. We have to punish them, don’t give them any hope. We’ve got to put these games away.”

The Union are now 1-2-2 at PPL Park in 2013, 3-2-1 on the road.What’s up with that. Hackworth said, “Our mentality might be tougher on the road and we try to push things at home. That game opened up which hasn’t been something we’ve been good at. We keep it tighter on the road.”

Sheanon Williams said, “We want to win, period, whether it’s at home or on the road. We just need to win games. That’s what will put us where we want to be in the end.”

Match reports and recaps from PSP, Philadelphia Union.com, LA Galaxy.com, MLSsoccer.com, Philadelphia Inquirer, Delco Times, Courier-Post, CSN Philly, Philly Soccer News, Brotherly Game, LAG Confidential, SBI, Soccer America, SB Nation, Goal.com, The Sports Network, and the AP.

From the Department of Happier Times, Jack McInerney and Amobi Okugo give some shooting pointers to a reporter.

Local

The third round draw for the US Open Cup was announced on Wednesday. The Union will face will either travel to Pittsburgh to face the Riverhounds or host Ocean City Nor’easters at PPL Park.

The winner of the second round match between Reading United and Harrisburg City Islanders will face New York at Red Bull Arena in the third round.

University of Pennsylvania is adding four players to its men’s team for 2013, forwards Sam Hayward and Alex Neumann (brother of Georgetown and Reading United’s Steve Neumann), and midfielders Travis Pillon and Matt Poplawski.

MLS

Chivas USA coach head coach José Luis “El Chelís” Sánchez Solá said of what he is looking for in Gabriel Farfan, “A player that will contribute and one that will adapt to what we want to do. We’re not looking for anything more, nothing extraordinary. Here, no one is required to do the extraordinary, and Farfan is not an extraordinary player.”

When asked if Chivas USA gave up too much for the Farfan trade, Chelis responded, “The quantity you pay in life, in any aspect, is based on demand. If Chivas don’t have the players and need the characteristics of Farfan, then it will be costly for Chivas.”

Farfan will be reunited with Eric Avila, a former youth soccer teammate, at Chivas.

DC United is having a competition to name a limited edition beer that is being brewed for them.

League Executive VP of Communications Dan Courtemanche talks to the Minneapolis Star Tribune about how the new Vikings stadium will be suitable for MLS.

More opposition in Queens to the proposed MLS stadium at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Former MLS club executive Michael Hitchcock has been named the new commissioner of the NPSL.

NWSL

Lyon have offered to replay the semifinal of the women’s French Cup against Montpellier. With the match tied after regulation and extra time, the referee incorrectly ruled a Montpellier penalty kick did not count. MLSsoccer.com reports, “Lyon—current club team of US women’s national team midfielder Megan Rapinoe—have offered to replay the entire game against Montpellier, citing fair play and a positive relationship between the two women’s clubs.”

US

At the Daily News, John Smallwood considers Landon Donovan’s national team prospects after last night’s thumping of the Union, a game that Smallwood calls Donovan’s best of the season.

Jonathan Tannenwald has more reaction to Donovan’s play. Further reaction here and here.

Elsewhere

David Beckham has announced his retirement from football.

A stunning 93rd minute headed goal from Branislov Ivanovic gave Chelsea the 2-1 victory over Benfica in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Frank Lampard celebrated by signing a one-year contract extension.

Reuters reports, “Sao Paulo’s World Cup stadium will be ready on time, FIFA said on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after warning the city it could lose the right to stage matches because of delays in building the new arena.”

Sepp Blatter says playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in the summer is “not rational and reasonable.”

15 Comments

  1. Well thats true, we certainly traded punches with LA in the first half.
    Did anyone ask what Hackworth thought of the miserable performance by his self-appointed LB who has never played LB in his life and is clear to everyone isn’t a good LB at all? I would have liked to hear his thoughts on that.

    • Sean Doyle says:

      You’re out of line, James. Gaddis was covering one of the best players in MLS most of the night and did so with little help from Keon Daniel. He also appeared to be struggling with some type of ailment, as he came over to the trainer twice and got something in the form of a foil pouch (think Caprisun). His body language clearly showed he was in some type of distress and the Galaxy were ruthless in running right at him in the last 15 minutes of the match.

  2. Dan Walsh says:

    The Union’s home record is pretty easy to explain. They played KC and LA at home. And they’re good teams.

    • What about the draws with Toronto, whom they outplayed, and Seattle, where we gave up a lead? The only win was against New England in the middle of a sleet storm, and that was only a 1-0 win. In fact 2 of the best halves of the season were the first halves against SKC and LA, and both ended in losses. The play has been alright, but the results have not.

  3. A. Stanford says:

    “On the ropes” is a bit strong for me. I suspect he used that term because the Union’s level of play was so shockingly fluid and efficient — at least far more than we’ve seen at any other time this season (or last) — it must’ve seemed like that to him. But I agree with the previous commenter that ‘trading punches’ is a better description. We matched up with them very well for about 60-65′. Once they realized they could exploit our LB at will, it was game over. At least we’re pretty deep at LB. (d’oh!)

  4. what a nice welcome for Gabe – WTF?!?

  5. Great One says:

    John Hackworth + Manager = Joke

  6. OneManWolfpack says:

    If anyone here thought the U would get the 3 points last night I think you must have been drunk. Personally, I was hoping for draw. The game played out like I think a lot of people thought it would. The U can’t hang with LA for 90 minutes. That’s just fact. Some things I saw last night: Gaddis looked out of place last night… I will chalk it u to the opponent. Kleberson was good and a clear upgrade from anyone else they have at CAM… I hope he plays Saturday too. Despite the first goal Zac was great… that was good to see. I will wait to pass judgement on the worst loss I’ve seen live until Saturday. When they bounce back with a win, we can chalk this game up to a one off… I hope.

  7. Yeah I think it is good to point out that that is essentially the top lineup for the Galaxy…where they ideally want everyone that is in the lineup. Add to that that Donovan is rounding into form and it is little surprise that a team of a wholly different weight class roughed us up. Denying that they are on a different level at this point is a fools errand. Kleberson was awesome…hopefully the heading accuracy comes with time.

  8. gaddis wasn’t the issue. Baky is not reading the game. On goal 2, he let’s Donovan drop off at the 18 (something he did all night), so Gaddis steps up and Baky stays planted as Keane peals off…not a Hack fan, but maybe he’s right with Okugo/Parke.
    Goal 3: see if you can find Leon anywhere in picture? Gaddis has to step in for pressure and it’s LAs right back w/ a nice finish…

    On the other hand, when’s the last time Sheanons put in a quality service with his feet? And don’t blame it on Cruz (who still sucks). Williams has been overrated for a year. Gaddis is better than he is on the right…so…wait, we don’t have a left back..

    And it should have been Marfan in the 65th, not Hop. When’s the last time Hops been effective? It’s like the Eagles under Andy Reid.

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