Photo: Earl Gardner
Note: PSP is looking for a volunteer to write our Thursday news roundups. If interested, please email dwalsh@phillysoccerpage.com.
Philadelphia Union
Let’s give credit where credit is due: The Union went out there Saturday night and beat the pants off a good team. Sapong tied the club record for goals in a season and Pontius finally got on the score sheet.
Notes from Saturday’s game, including the formation “tweak” (don’t call it a formation change).
Bedoya is already looking forward to next season.
Local
Bethlehem got off to a fast start and held on for a 3-2 win. Lineup.
MLS
Scores and recaps from this weekend’s MLS action.
Atlanta’s ridiculous schedule may be starting to catch up with them. They won, but at the cost of a Miguel Almiron injury.
MLSSoccer revealed its 50 player shortlist for its 24 under 24. The Union have two representatives, Jack Elliott and Derrick Jones.
Around the globe
FIFA pays plenty of attention to the men’s game. When will it give the same attention to the women?
Given the national anthem protests, at least one writer feels that the pre-game national anthem should be dropped entirely.
Given US Soccer’s official stance, some women’s players are just refusing to take the field during the anthem.
Highlight of the day
This long set piece goal.
Bonus: this longer set piece “goal”.
Looks like two philly teams have found a gem rookie named Elliot…
I don’t know whether it was the “tweak”, the absence of Schweinsteiger, or some other factor, but it was certainly a nice change of pace to see the Union play well on Saturday night.
I said all along that the Union could play like this but due to Curtin’s ineptitude it took all season…
This weekend I volunteered at the Union Cup and saw the Ukrainians tie Ivory Coast and Thailand beat the Refugee team. It is unbelievable and remarkable how the city has pulled this off. The soccer was so-so but good players were easily identifiable. Group play has now finished and the weak teams have been eliminated. The knock-out competition will start in 2 weeks. Check it out, get involved and come and watch some of the games.
I’d love to get someone to write about their experience following the Unity Cup. If you’re interested or know someone who is, please email me at dwalsh@phillysoccerpage.com.
I have let them know. Some cool stuff is here: https://cdn.relaymedia.com/amp/billypenn.com/2017/09/24/si-se-puede-scenes-from-phillys-international-block-party/
Forgive me if this was already shared. Good story on Gabriel Jesus and by extension Brazilian youth football.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/22/gabriel-jesus-manchester-city-superstar-brazil
The Bedoya article gives me some hope that additional talent is coming next year.
Hope he’s right. ‘Twould be nice.