Photo: Barb Colligon
The Philadelphia Union announced on Monday further information about its preseason schedule:
Thursday, Jan. 22: Team reports for Physicals
Monday, Jan. 26 – Thursday, Jan. 29: Training at YSC (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Thursday, Jan. 29: Media Day at PPL Park (1-5 p.m.)
- Friday, Jan. 30: Open Training at YSC (12-2 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 2: Depart for Clearwater, Fla.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Friday, Feb. 6: Train in Clearwater
Saturday, Feb. 7: MATCH vs. Armada FC at EverBank Field
Tuesday, Feb. 10: SCRIMMAGE vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Thursday, Feb. 12: Return to Philadelphia
Monday, Feb. 16 – Saturday, Feb. 28: Training in Clearwater
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2:30 pm: Philadelphia Union vs. Costa Rica U-23 (IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, Field 1 — Free)
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:30 pm: TP Mazembe vs. Philadelphia Union (IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, IMG Academy Stadium — Purchase tickets here)
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5 pm: Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew (IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, IMG Academy Stadium — Purchase tickets here)
- Saturday, Feb. 28: Final day of tournament, opponent TBD (IMG Suncoast Pro Classic. 12 pm and 2:30 pm games at Field 1, Third Place (5 pm) and Championship (7:30 pm) games at IMG Academy Stadium)
The Union is in Bracket 2 of the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic along with the Costa Rica U-23 team, TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Columbus Crew. Bracket 1 of the tournament includes New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, HB Koge of Denmark, and USL PRO side Oklahoma City Energy. Four matches will take place the final day of the tournament on Feb. 28, with the tournament championship game kicking off at 7:30 pm. Tickets at $17 and $23; $27 gets you a ticket and scarf.
Is it bad that I got really excited when I read “Union announce”… Only to be let down cause it wasn’t a player signing?
Not at all. It shows you are like many of us fans that are anxiously logging on to this site to see some breaking news stating the Union have signed a striker or additional help needed to get us excited about the coming season and a hopeful run at the playoffs.
Ha. I check this site like 10 times a day!! Seriously.
I keep waiting for the day someone from IT comes to my desk and points out how many times I log on to this site.
Glad it isn’t just me.
Guilty of checking the site for news of player signings as well. Zero excitement as we move toward the season opener.
That is my biggest Fear! lol
Worth commenting that while having Algeria v South Africa on TV, Rais Mbohli has saved Algeria’s pastrami – in lieu of bacon – three times to preserve a clean sheet in the first half. The first was a hand deflecting the high dipping shot into the bar, the second, a perfectly read and timed take from the turning stricker’s foot, and the third unfortunately I did not see.
Watched the game today. We have upgraded the goal keeper position. I just wish that, they had waited to bring him on the pitch for this season.
I think Union fans (myself included) are going to have to make an effort to welcome Rais to the team this year.
The entire acquisition was pretty unnecessary and his mistake against Chicago hurt pretty badly, but he is a very good national team keeper. I’ll miss MacMath, but I think M’Bohli’s experience and command can only benefit our already pretty strong defense (LB excluded).
Now, where’s that striker?
Totally agree about Boli the Goalie. But worry about his leis se faire attitude vs. Chicago, and the media in Philly eating him up when he does make inevitable mistakes. And playing a global schedule is not even close to the rigors of the weekly and biweekly MLS schedule, or the rougher play of MLS life. I will miss Zac greatly, too. I thought he was just coming into his own.
Rais Mbohli was terrific. We can not go into the season with no quality LB,Name Stiker, questions at DM and a continuing goalie drama.
I was referring to last year, let zack see out the season. Bring in Rias now during the preseason and the 2015 season.
I was referring to Mbohli’s play today and the Union moving forward. I’m not clear what it is about my comment you’re responding to. The Union have to find a goalie to play for Mbohli and Blake when they’re away on call ups.
Sorry misread your comment. I saw a tweet earlier today about a possible switch blake loaned to hci and we take their guy to cover when Rias is on international duty
That’s cool. Loaning out Blake seems like the best idea. He is a bonified starter and should be getting quality minutes.