Philadelphia Union
On Feb. 12, the Union have a preseason match against Orlando in Florida. It’s closed because, you know, transparency.
What are Jim Curtin’s thoughts about Union academy product Issa Rayyan and whether the team will sign any other homegrown players before the season starts?
GhanaSoccernet whipped up a couple pieces with David Accam and Josh Yaro.
Check out the 2019 @SonsofBen Membership Kit! This year's kit will include a scarf, membership card, clear stadium bag, vinyl sticker, and enamel pin.
Sign up here 👉🏻 https://t.co/mhhBzVtugy ALL ARE WELCOME! pic.twitter.com/gGzCA8bUu0
— Jeffrey Mitchell (@FatherOfBen) January 15, 2019
Local
Mark Forrest was drafted by the Chicago Fire in the fourth round. He’s the only player from the Philly area taken in the draft.
MLS
Austin FC will be the league’s 27th club. They’ll play in 2021. Fun fact: Austin will be the smallest U.S. TV market with an MLS team.
Some roster news:
- Dion Pereira, a 19-year-old English left winger, formerly of Watford, signed with Atlanta United.
- Walker Zimmerman re-signed with LAFC for four years.
- Victor Vazquez leaves a hole in Toronto’s midfield as he’s off to Qatar (pending a physical).
- Trey Muse became Seattle’s 11th Homegrown Player signing.
- Ian Harkes, after being released by D.C., has landed in Scotland’s Dundee United.
American Soccer Analysis says turf doesn’t cause injuries. Never mind how your legs feel . . . DON’T QUESTION THE DATA!
You asked, we made it 🤝 @MLS All-Time Standings: by Points Per Season 📊
Where's your team? pic.twitter.com/BhvRIoPmjx
— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) January 15, 2019
USL
Grant Wahl spoke with the league’s president.
Forward Madison FC, which will play in the USL’s second tier, have signed former Union fill-in Brian Sylvestre as their first goalkeeper.
NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League officially named Amanda Duffy as its president.
Sky Blue FC acquired midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi from Seattle Reign FC in exchange for forward Shea Groom.
Speaking of Sky Blue, they posted a job for an unpaid assistant coach, but then took it down.
Of the 10 coaches taking the U.S. Soccer Pro License course, none are women or from the NWSL.
U.S. Soccer
U.S. Soccer signed an eight-figure sponsorship deal with VW.
Michael Bradley and Alex Morgan were honored in the Concacaf Awards.
Around the globe
Tottenham are without Harry Kane until March over an ankle ligament injury.
Arsenal’s Petr Cech is retiring at the end of this season. Wow, 20 years playing pro!
In Asian Cup action, Australia advanced to the last 16 by beating Syria, 3-2.
Also in the Asian Cup, some of China’s players are wearing long sleeves because of a rule barring visible tattoos in matches.
Egypt will host the African Nations Cup this summer.
Just read a Bobby Warsaw theoretical analysis at https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/15/warshaw-does-your-team-need-plan-b
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If you like abstract theory and have the time it is most enjoyable.
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The Keystone Sports & Entertainment subtext is that Ernst Tanner is being ambitious.
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Also, yesterday a tweet from Jonathan Tannenwald quoted Jim Curtin tomthe effect that differences this season will be more focused on the defensive approach. https://mobile.twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/1085195187205230592/photo/1
Not the second half of the last sentence has to be read through an overlay.
Soooooo much to hate about Austin.