Photo: Paul Rudderow
Philadelphia Union
The Union have announced their search for a Chief Tattoo Officer. Confirming it’s not a joke, you can read the job posting on MLSSoccer. More at FoxSports and CSNPhilly. It was a big enough announcement that they announced the announcement. Even the UK-based The Telegraph picked up the story.
“This is an exciting initiative for all of us here at Philadelphia Union as we look to provide a revolutionary service for our players and front office, particularly those new to the area,” said Doug Vosik, the Union’s Vice President of Marketing.
“Our hiring process begins immediately; we are looking for a partner with a wide variety of talents and skills, and someone who can offer a broad range including American traditional, as well as Japanese, realism, new school and more.”
According to Dave Zeitlin, Onyewu will start over Tribbett. “Gooch has been really good in the preseason,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said after the team wrapped up a training session from inside the Penn Park Bubble on Monday. “Him and Richie (Marquez) have established themselves as the guys that, at least at this stage, we’ll go with going into this final phase between MLS games.”
Zeitlin also notes that Haris Medunjanin has arrived in Florida and should be available in their future preseason games. More from today’s training from Matthew De George, and pictures on the official site. You can find the Union’s schedule for this week here.
At SBI, Joe Tansey previews the Union.
Local
Local product Darius Madison signed with the Rochester Rhinos.
Major League Soccer
Columbus Crew SC signed Brazilian midfielder Artur on loan from Sao Paulo FC.
Graham Parker asks if the MLS still needs David Beckham.
Atlanta United has reserved the Number 17 for the fans. Sure.
Once a Metro digs into just who is running New York Red Bulls right now.
DC United revealed their secondary kit.
Soccer America has your quick and dirty roster/transfer guide.
Around the Globe
US Soccer has hired James Bunce, previously the Premier League’s Head of Performance. The New York Times covered it in more detail (h/t CPfeif).
Earnie Stewart is in favor of promotion/relegation (h/t John O’Donnell Jr).
Facebook will be streaming Liga MX games starting February 18. Games will be broadcast in the US and in English only.
Christie Rampone became the last of the 1999 USWNT to retire. She will be honored March 4 at Red Bull Arena.
Paris Saint Germain host Barcelona and Benfica host Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 2:45 EST. PSG will be without Thiago Silva (injury) and Thiago Motta (suspension).
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) has become the latest celebrity to help fundraise for Airdrie FC. The latest round of fundraising is for a room to help children with sensory process disorders enjoy football. If you are not familiar with Airdrie FC’s fundraising efforts, here’s a good story.
Highlight of the Day
MLS released a compilation of the best preseason goals so far.
http://www.urbanfutsal.la/adidassoccer/
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THIS.
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Please. Anyone associated with Union Central. Hub. Com. Control. Vision. Philosophy. or Plan.
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THIS. IS. WAY.
+1!!!! Maybe in combination with the mini-pitch initiative?
I like that Gooch has been announced as the starter. Wrong or right, at least a decision has been made. “Let’s see how is plays out” is not the correct approach (IMO) when it comes to CB pairings. Those guys need to build chemistry, and the sooner the better.
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Also, I remember people on this site being really high on Darius Madison a year or two ago. Is he just falling off of everyone’s radar? Unfulfilled potential? Or overhyped because he was local and we have been dreaming of a local star?
The only thing that worries me with Gooch being named as a starter is whether it makes sense on artificial turf in Vancouver.
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Also you want to do everything you can to keep Tribbett off the field for the home opener against Toronto since a poor game by him against that particular opponent would really turn the fans against him.
I think that statement shows that Earnie Stewart is not in favor of pro/rel
Huh, you’re right. That’s what I get for not fully reading things! Took it from somewhere else that presented him as in favor of it. Lesson learned.
Hey, there. I don’t believe he’s against it, just that he doesn’t see it as necessity for an American sport’s leagues or athletes. Plus if you ask some of the folks here, he’s just repeating the company line. Insert emoji with halo and grin here.
I don’t know what all the fuss is about re: the in house tattoo artist search. I think it’s a brilliant idea. Why not?
It’s funny, but yeah, no need to make a big deal out of it.
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Watch other teams (particularly POR/SEA/VAN) follow suit, and then the NBA…
not just good PR – there are other benefits for the players and club. Best to avoid this….
https://www.thelocal.de/20110712/36229
The Cascadia clubs will each employ a Chief Tattoo Officer (I can’t believe I just typed that title) by next week. Each of their Chief Marketing Officers were fired yesterday for not thinking of it first. Is the Union trendy now? Where are we?
I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a relatively common thing
“No Ragrets”
Regerts… HA!
The Linc is hosting Gold Cup QF in July – http://sbisoccer.com/2017/02/concacaf-announces-gold-cup-quarterfinal-and-semifinal-venues
Thanks Adam for taking on the roundup!