Photo: Earl Gardner

Happy ‘Merica Day, everyone. May you all celebrate the freedom we are so lucky to enjoy with all the hot dogs, cheap beer, and quasi-illegal fireworks your heart desires.

Philadelphia Union

Haris Medunjanin is already steadying the Union midfield during Alejandro Bedoya’s absence.

5 things to look for as Philadelphia return to the MLS grind after their U.S. Open Cup exit.

The gamble of playing Jack Elliott and Oguchi Onyewu together has coalesced into one of the best defensive pairings in MLS.

In today’s edition of “this shouldn’t still be a story,” a Philadelphia business reporter reflects on his first soccer game.

Major League Soccer

The always entertaining Thomas Rongen’s midseason awards.

ESPN FC’s power rankings. And Soccer America’s. Both see Chicago at the top.

NWSL

All the week’s highlights in one video (wish MLS would do this).

Bethlehem Steel

An opponent’s review of the team’s 1-1 draw with Richmond Kickers.

USL

Must read: Why the deck is stacked against USL and NASL players making the leap to MLS.

11 things from the week that was.

Eastern Conference power rankings see the Steel jump to 5th with their team record eight-game unbeaten streak.

U.S. Soccer

5 thoughts on the USMNT’s friendly win over Ghana.

Three reasons why the U.S. can win the Gold Cup.

Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux (and their predictably adorable child) are living the American dream.