Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Steel FC
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union held their introductory presser with David Accam Tuesday. Among the most important announcements: Accam, previously thought to be signed to a one term deal, is signed through 2020 – a relief given the Union’s 1.2 million dollar trade. PSP, and MLS.
With new broadcasting partners, the Union announced their broadcasting schedule for the 2018 season.
Former Union draft pick and inaugural Bethlehem Steel FC captain Ryan Richter announced his retirement.
Local
Penn FC – formerly Harrisburg City Islanders – have named Rush Soccer president and CEO Tim Schultz as their General Manager. Head coach Bill Becher will become the Technical Advisor, and a new head coach will be named next month.
MLS
Amid contract disputes and requests to be traded, Lee Nguyen did not report to New England Revolution’s first day of training. Many Philadelphia fans have been calling for the Union to take advantage of the situation, given the team’s need for a number 10.
More contract disputes: Even though Orlando City still claims he is under contract, Cyle Larin was seen training with Turkish side Besiktas.
LAFC had its inaugural training.
Toronto re-signed Eriq Zavaleta.
Portland acquired the homegrown rights for young prospect Eryk Williamson from D.C. United.
Colorado Rapids appointed Ena Patel as their director of player personal.
Three MLSers were called up by Mexico for a friendly against Haris Medunjanin and Bosnia.
National
ICYMI: How is President Trump affecting the North American joint World Cup bid?
Has anyone separated themselves from the pack in the USSF presidential race?
Around the globe
The top 30 richest clubs in the world.
Manchester United and Arsenal swapped Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Who won?
Arsenal is definitely trying to sign Aubameyang from Dortmund.
West Ham’s Chicharito is reportedly looking for more playing time elsewhere.
FYI Ryan Richter will become an assistant with the Union following his retirement. He was roommates with a good friend and talked about it last night celebrating his retirement.
That’s awesome – this guy is class act and a great leader in Steel’s inaugural season.
He would be a good addition to the Steel staff too, at least in terms of game day help.
I sure hope we add that mythical CAM this week. I’d love to see the Union pull something off to bring Nguyen here, too (if MLS doesn’t blackball him for having the audacity to refuse to show up for practice). I think he’d fit what his team wants to do very well.
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I think Arsenal won the transfer deal. Sanchez is a great player, but he was going to be on his way no matter what. Mkhitaryan was a wonderful player before Mourinho got his hands on him, too, so there’s every likelihood that he’ll shine again for Arsenal.
Loser in the deal might be Martial. Someone’s gotta make way for Sanchez.
Nguyen would be merely filling a need. Good player, but it wouldn’t satisfy me. I’d like to see a REAL DP fill the 10.
I find it hard to believe Lee would be a first choice as they keep hinting something else is still coming soon. If they had something with him lined up he’d probably be in camp waiting for the deal to get done.
I think he’s a good Plan B. A chance creator and goal threat that’s proved himself in the league. Not a long term plan at all. If I were running the club, I’d try to bring in Lee and a DP #10. God forbid we have quality depth.
Sounds solid, Great One. Thanks.
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Wonder where in the organization’s hierarchy.
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https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/955926869764952064?s=17
saw this as well last night and admit… I’m readily curious.
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Someone mentioned a meaningless partnership between the two and I will counter with, it is my opinion nothing LAFC intends on doing will be meaningless. Either way, it is intriguing.
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Hell, Barcelona are set to open another Academy in Long Island I hear tell. Bayern are settling in stateside. Much of it is gladhandeling I imagine…but clearly there is a rich market for the -beyond the few people- (less than a NASCAR weekly viewers) that actually watch the games.
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Imagine this friends…. the greatest clubs in the world beginning to make inroads here stateside and all ‘we’ are asking is for the chance to do it sour’selves. But alas, soccer is for only the well to do… few. Just like all the other American sports which owe have the market cornered on, save this one.
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You know the best part… people here actually think American Football is this huge thing, but like I don’t know 4 Billion people watch Footy… and maybe 90,000,000 actually watch Hand Football. Well at any rate…. that’s todays Onion Bag News.
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The thought of such things is heresy, eh?
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“it is my opinion nothing LAFC intends on doing will be meaningless”
That’s a bit unrealistic. The biggest teams in the world have meaningless “partnerships” with other teams that amount to nothing.
It’s not like the Union invented random partnerships that amount to nothing.
MLS All-Star Game held at LAFC vs. BVB? Also, some comment a while back about LAFC wanting to duplicate their Yellow Wall.
Hopefully BVB opens an academy in L.A., the more the merrier. Hopefully they’ll make it free and benefit for that investment.
does anyone notice Lee Nguyen not reporting to New Englands preseason?? If we added that boy, the Union are Eastern Conference contenders