Photo courtesy of Haverford College, shot by Lissa Anglin

Philadelphia Union

Haverford College wrote up PSP analyst Adam Cann for his contributions to soccer writing. Fans of Adam’s column will recognize the writer in the player:

“The original appeal was the dynamic nature of the sport,” he says. “Once it starts, it keeps going. You have to figure out what’s happening on the fly. I also figured out that you didn’t have to be big, strong, or considered fast to still be competent and a regular contributor.”

An abbreviated version of Jim Curtin’s press conference shows him thanking the fans and talking about the positive feeling on the training field. The Union also posted some takeaways from the talk: Depth discussion has Alberg and Gaddis as probable with Yaro making progress as well.

Having played and coached at RFK, Curtin had this flaming indictment of the experience:

There was always the smell of stale beer and urine and whatever it was from the Dave Matthews concert the night before . . .

In the interest of maintaining some journalistic integrity, I can tell you he had a lot of positive things to say besides that, but none were as rife with imagery that reminded me so aptly of the gentle persons who sprayed beer on me and my brothers from the upper tier of the Linc when Seba scored the first Union hat trick.

The Union are playing with confidence going into the weekend game. We are viewing with cautious optimism.

The Union post a video entitled “Know your enemy” about D.C. United. The player to watch is Sebastien Le Toux. We know him, but that knowledge is shaded by sorrow.

US Open Cup

Junior Lone Star battle through rocks to gain their first entry into the US Open Cup: They practice on the worst field, but that just makes their touch sweeter and their bones tougher. The Delco Times has a complete look at the team and what it represents for contemporary American soccer.

The Southwest Philly team took on the Nor’easters last night in the first round of Open Cup action. The Nor’easters jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but Junior Lone Star player Yaya Fane lofted a well placed cross from 35 yards out onto N’Guessan’s head who nodded home near post for a tidy finish. Junior Lone Star had another gilt edged opportunity around the eightieth minute, but a minute later, Akeil Barrett of the Nor’easters iced the game with a third goal for the oceanside team.

Meanwhile, Reading United hosted Clarkstown SC Eagles at Exeter High School. Reading went up a goal in first half stoppage time when Pierrot won a penalty. His effort was saved, but he headed the rebound over the goalie and scored. Reading held that lead until Aaron Molloy drew a red card fifteen minutes from time to set up an exciting finish. Reading had some nifty play in the corner to burn through the clock.

Local

Play soccer golf May 19 to support Archbishop Ryan Soccer.

Ukrainian Nationals are looking to fill a few spots.

Support Saint Joe’s Prep soccer by watching the Champions League final.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association‘s Hall of Fame banquet is this Saturday, May 13. A notable inductee is Rob Smith, former head of FC Delco/Continental FC.

In July Girard College will host a soccer camp with Jeremiah White.

Major League Soccer

Columbus Crew hosted  Toronto and seemed to have the game in hand, up 1-0 on a twenty-eight minute goal from Federico Higuain. Jozy Altidore earned (sort of) a penalty that was saved by Zach Steffen. (Ball don’t lie.) Ricketts scored in the 81st and 90th minute to win the game for Toronto. This might be good for Philadelphia. In order for the Union to even hope to reach the four or five spot on the table, fans should root for the top four teams in the east to give no points to any one else.