Photo: Earl Gardner
Philadelphia Union
Former trialist James McFadden has been talking to the Scottish press about his desire to sign with the Union. In an article published by the Evening Times on Dec. 25, the midfielder, who recently signed a short term deal with Motherwell, says,
If all goes well and I can get a couple of years in America and play as long as I can then hopefully it will be my last spell in Scotland. My family are going out there with me. It’s a lifestyle decision as well. It’s a chance for us to experience a different country and maybe settle and never come back…
I went over and had a trial with Philadelphia Union and it went well. They are putting their squad together and I am waiting to hear back. But once that’s back we will have talks to sort a deal out.
It’s been a couple of years I’ve wanted to go over to America. The timing has just not been right but if I get the opportunity I’d love to take it.
In an article published by The Scotsman on Dec. 26, McFadden said further of a possible move to the US and the Union,
It’s something I have wanted for a couple of years now. My kids are getting a wee bit older so the timing is absolutely perfect for me in terms of playing, but also to get my family over and start a new life in a new country.
I went out and trained, it went well and the manager said he wanted me back. They need to sort out who is going to be there for next year before they speak to people about coming in. But it was positive and I’m hopeful we will get a deal sorted.
Motherwell’s game against Dundee United, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Football Oranje links Feyenoord striker and Turkish international Colin Kazim-Richards to a possible move to the Union. Brotherly Game does the requisite player research.
Richie Marquez makes this highlight reel of the best slide tackles of the 2015 MLS season (start around 0.32).
At Sons of Penn, Christmas wishes for Philly pro sports teams includes three wishes for the Union.
Bethlehem Steel
At Brotherly Game, Eugene Rupinski on how the declining value of the Canadian dollar could be a factor in Canadian teams outside of MLS losing US players, such as the NASL’s Ottawa Fury losing Ryan Richter to Bethlehem Steel.
Philadelphia Union Academy
Union Academy forward Jack de Vries went the full 90 in the US U-15 BNT’s loss to Kendall SC on Dec. 19.
At Brotherly Game reviews. Matt Ralph reviews how Union Academy alums did during the college season this fall and also has a Best XI along with end-of-year awards.
Vavel has an overview of the Union’s academy.
Local
In US Youth Soccer National League play on Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Lehigh Valley United 97 defeated Tennessee SC 16 6-1 to remain undefeated in the Under-18 Blue Division (5-0-0). The team faces FC Dallas 98 Premier (TX-N) today and Arlington Impact Red (VA) on Tuesday.
In U-17 Red Division Play, Penn Fusion 98 fell 2-0 to first place Solar Chelsea Red 99 of Texas and are now in fourth place (2-1-2). The team faces CESA 98 Premier (SC) today and Loudoun 98 Red (VA) on Tuesday.
In Blue Division U-14 play, Penn Fusion 01 Elite (1-2-1) picked up their first win of the National League season, defeating PacNW Maroon of Washington, 2-1. The team returns to National League play in March at the Players College Showcase in Las Vegas.
MLS
Player moves:
- LA Galaxy have transferred midfielder Juninho to Club Tijuana.
- Montreal Impact have signed forward Cameron Porter to a new contract.
Andrea Pirlo says he will not go on loan to Europe during the MLS offseason. Again.
Portland’s Liam Ridgewell to Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on an offseason loan?
Chicago’s David Accam to Stoke City? Maybe not.
Red Bull Leipzig defender Tim Sebastian to New York Red Bulls (crappy Google translation here)?
Has Clemson University goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell signed a Generation adidas contract?
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Keron Cummings, who has been linked to a move to Orlando City following a trial with the team earlier this year, was shot in the leg resulting in a broken thigh bone in what may have been a robbery attempt early on Sunday morning.
Former New York Red Bulls defender Alfredo Pacheco was murdered in El Salvador on Sunday.
US
At SI, Avi Creditor reviews the USMNT’s 2015.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton says Gedion Zelalem will remain on loan with his club from Arsenal.
At the Los Angeles Times, Kevin Baxter on why there have been no US head coaches in the top flight of Europe’s biggest leagues.
Elsewhere
From Reuters: “Former head of South America’s CONMEBOL soccer body Eugenio Figueredo has admitted he received bribes from television firms in exchange for maintaining media rights, a lawyer involved in the case in Uruguay said on Saturday.”
From Goal.com: “FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has called for the immediate publication of Michael Garcia’s report into alleged corruption within world football’s governing body.”
If I keep getting quoted in local papers about wanting to go to New Zealand, does it mean New Zealand wants me to come and will offer me a job?
Yeah he is quite good at drumming up his own interest.
Either he’s quoted Curtin accurately, he misunderstood, or he’s lying. To lie in that fashion ruins him in soccer, so I discount that as a rational choice.
if Curtin wants him back he needs to be sent for immediate re-programming at a Swiss clinic.