Philadelphia Union
Tomorrow – Saturday, February 17 – Union v. D.C. United @ Al Lang Stadium (5 PM) in first game of Suncoast Invitational hosted by USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.
C.J. Sapong needs help! – explains an MLS.com writer.
PSP’s Nick Fishman dug deep recently for an article on Ilsinho. Read that here.
Tim Jones of PSP wrote an interesting piece regarding youth development in 2018. You can check that out here.
The discussion of whether the Union will bring in a no. 10 or not remains alive and well. Check out one viewpoint here.
A third part of an in-depth look at Union’s 2018 opponents was released by PhillySportsNetwork.com – learn more here. Part 1. Part 2.
Jim Curtin spoke to the media during his weekly conference call. He discussed injuries, position battles, and more. Matt Real, Mark McKenzie, Marcus Epps, Olivier Mbaizo, and Ilsinho have all suffered injuries varying in severity. Listen to the entire call here.
New Union winger David Accam spoke on SiriusXM FC about his transition to Philadelphia and more. Listen to the interview here.
Alejandro Bedoya vs. Marcus Epps in a FIFA 18 battle. Who wins?
Union Academy director Tommy Wilson was asked about his thoughts prior to the 2018 Generation Adidas Cup. Check that here.
Local/USL
Yesterday morning, Steel FC announced three additional preseason matches will be played. The dates, opponents, and times can be found here. Their final preseason match will take place at Power Training Complex in Chester March 10th against 2016 USL champions NYRBII.
Penn FC announced the signing of two more players to their small but increasing roster. Goalkeeper Jacob Lissek and midfielder Calvin Rezende signed with Penn FC Thursday.
Ocean City Nor’easters of the Premier Development League (PDL) released their 2018 schedule as well. Find that here.
Long time UPenn head coach Rudy Fuller was named Senior Associate AD of all intercollegiate programs.
Potential ‘billionaires’ in line to back a Sacramento group pushing for an expansion spot for Sacramento Republic FC? Sounds sketchy.
South Korean international and long-time soccer veteran Jung-soo Lee (38 yrs old) has signed with USL’s Charlotte Independence.
MLS
New England Revolution veteran midfielder Lee Nguyen still wants out despite ending his hold-out for preseason camp.
Check out all of the 2018 MLS kits revealed to date so far.
ESPN anchor Max Bretos was hired by LAFC to be their play-by-play announcer for the foreseeable future.
CONCACAF Champions League begins next week. Check news stream here. Here’s an article about Seattle Sounders FC ahead of their champions league clash with Santa Tecla of the Salvadoran Primera Division next Thursday.
Want to know more about the 2017-2018 Generation Adidas Cup? Here’s a link with all the up-to-date qualifying tables and schedules.
US Soccer
“Shaw Brown: One of American Soccer’s Most Interesting People You Don’t Know”
The ‘Renaissance Man of US Soccer’ Dr. Joe Machnik was interviewed on Planet Futbol’s podcast. Learn more here.
Around the globe
Liverpool skipper Jurgen Klopp was very happy following his team’s incredible 5-0 win over F.C. Porto Champions League affair.
Review all of the UEFA Champions League results this week as well as future fixture dates here.
The UEFA Europa League returned to action yesterday in the Round of 32. Here’s a recap of all the action.
https://the93rdminute.net/2018/02/16/ussf-election-a-personification-of-us-soccers-flaws/
.
.
Outstanding read.
I don’t know if this is terrible to say, but the Ilsinho injury might be a blessing in disguise. Not that I want him injured or anything; I like having him around as an option on the wing. He can’t be the fall back easy solution at the 10 though. If we aren’t going to get a high caliber international 10 then it needs to be Najem and Fontana taking turns and fighting it out to get that spot (or they can invert the triangle and bring in Jones which I’d also be fine with). Taking Ilsinho off the table for the beginning of the season is going to force the team’s hand on this
100% agree.
You say that like Jim hasn’t played Bedoya at the 10… ; )
that is true but if i remember correctly both bedoya and curtin came out afterward and all but said it was a mistake to try that and i don’t think they’ve tried it since
Not terrible, most of the changes Curtin have made have been forced through injury.
Most of his backups have been terrible too though. Not that the starters were much better.
Definitely not terrible. I also totally agree it’s probably a good thing. It also makes me wonder how much they are paying the oft injured Ilsinho.
I thought they were talking about a dropping his salary on this contract, but with the promotion to #10 I don’t know.
Red Bull 2 were the 2016 USL cup champ. Louisville City won last year.
Thanks for the catch. Just corrected that.
Here’s Black & Red United’s take on the game Saturday with an expected DCU line-up:
.
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2018/2/16/17019828/dc-united-versus-philadelphia-union-lineup
more suffering for union fans………..moneyball with only hope, Sugarnan is sweet
We shouldn’t reference Moneyball unless we can say what is the inefficiency being exploited. Moneyball in baseball bypasses the high cost of saves, or high batting average, fielding etc., for on-base percentage. What is the new metric?
.
#slumlord