Photo: Paul Rudderow
Philadelphia Union
Back to the film room to take a look at how the Union executed their ball pressure scheme in their last two matches.
Union notes from Kinkead on injuries and Harrisburg history.
The Union are set to take on Harrisburg City tonight, and it is an opportunity for some lesser-used players to get meaningful minutes. Backup keeper John McCarthy has been confirmed to be getting the start in net.
A look at previous Union/Harrisburg U.S. Open Cup matches.
The biggest note from Curtin’s press conference: the Union are on the mend from a number of minor injuries and everybody other than Herbers could be available for selection this weekend.
The Union look to continue their home success against New York Red Bulls. It will be a battle between two top keepers.
Local
A look at all the local NPSL and PDL action.
MLS
Kansas City could be forced to forfeit their last game for fielding an ineligible player.
FC Cincinnati has released renderings of the stadium they plan to build if awarded an MLS franchise, and it is a beauty.
San Diego and Charlotte have hit snags in their MLS bids as their stadiums have not been approved for public funding.
Christos FC fought valiantly for 80 minutes but were overwhelmed late in their 4-1 defeat in the USOC. Scores from yesterday.
The regional matchups mandated by the current USOC format have not helped fans or teams become interested.
Around the globe
Jamaica lost to Peru in international play 3-1. Andre Blake was in goal for most of the game and was often let down by his defense. Cory Burke played and picked up a yellow.
Three takeaways and two questions coming out of the most recent USMNT games.
Bruce Arena’s pragmatism helped the USMNT take a point in Mexico. And the players appreciate his approach.
GK Jesse Gonzalez has officially submitted paperwork to make the one time switch to become a U.S. National.
Highlight of the day
Kansaye putting Christos FC up 1-0 over DC United.
Wonderful job by Christos FC. They may not have won but they took the lead first and eventually held DC tied for seventy+ minutes. They didn’t look half bad either. It’s amazing how a group of guys that don’t practice and choose lineup’s 5 minutes before kickoff, looked more organized than the early season version of the Union. Watching them collapse together in front of goal, covering for each other, was a beautiful sight.
Hi Adam: Your thoughts on the upcoming Canadian premier soccer league scheduled for 2018? What effect will this have on the Canadian national team?
Details are still super light. It’s already June and as far as I’m aware, there’s only two confirmed teams, and even those are basically nothing more than cities and stadiums. I can’t imagine the league actually being ready to go in 2018, and if it is, I expect it to have a messy first season. As for what effect it will have, I’d say nothing immediate but it may help identify or inspire younger players for the future.
I saw the France – England match and was amazed with how France played. Progba, Kante, Lemar, Dembele, Mbappe were just outstanding. Will be a pleasure to watch them play in Russia next year.
….an embarrassment of riches. easily the most talented team in the world, the question as often is the case with France is will they play for each other. Paul Pogba is otherworldly.
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Raphael Varane needs to be healthy in Russia. If so, they are a logical choice to win the World Cup after using Euros to gain valuable experience.
Stefan Frei also now a US citizen. After FIFA paperwork done he can suit up for the USMNT.
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https://twitter.com/Stefan24Frei/status/874760461165633536
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The race is on to be the US keeper for the 2022 World Cup.
Where do you think Frei falls into the depth chart of US goalkeepers now? Looking at the 6 called up for the preliminary 40-man Gold Cup roster (in order of perceived depth):
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Howard, Guzan, Hamid/Gonzalez, Bendik, Johnson
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There’s still other GKs out there, but with the Howard/Guzan/Rimando era nearly over (within 2 years say), I’m still trying to figure out who will likely step up to be the next #1,2,3.
I don’t know about exact depth chart but moreso “binning” US keepers I think it would look something like:
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Tier 1: Howard, Guzan
Tier 2: Rimando, Hamid, Gonzalez, Horvath
Tier 3: Bendik, Frei, Johnson, Yarbrough, Bingham, Robles
Tier 4: Cropper, Steffen, Miller, Bono, Klinsmann, Deric, Clark, Irwin, Bush, MacMath, Melia
Tier 5: Everyone else