Photo: Paul Rudderow
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union moved into 1st place in the Eastern Conference (on goal differential, yes, so what) with a comfortable 2-0 win over expansion side FC Cincinnati.
Check out PSP’s post game show live last night from Talen.
Bobby Warshaw says Jim Curtin deserves credit for the team’s form.
MLS
Colorado Rapids fired manager Anthony Hudson after a woeful start to 2019. Former Union hero Conor Casey (!) will replace Hudson as interim manager.
I think this tweet says it all:
Anthony Hudson’s pre-MLS resume: Left a 3rd-tier US team after a last-place finish; was fired by a fifth-tier English side after 4 wins in 19 games; coached Bahrain for a couple years; and failed to qualify for the WC with NZ. What made him qualified for the Colorado job, again?
— Thomas Floyd (@thomasfloyd10) May 1, 2019
Sacramento Republic fans have been waiting for this.
MLS’ fickle Disciplinary Committee rescinded Seattle midfielder Christian Roldan’s controversial red card… but still fined him for not leaving the field in a timely manner.
USL
Omaha, Nebraska is the latest city to land a USL League One franchise.
Speaking of: New Mexico United is a wonderful problem for USL to have — a successful on the field product and a sold-out stadium of over 12,000 people there to see it.
CONCACAF
Monterrey won the CONCACAF Champion’s League 2-1 on aggregate (1-1 last night).
Let’s all savor this Andre-Pierre Gignac goal though:
¡¡QUÉ GOLAZOOOOOOOOOOO!! Gignac de volea marca el descuento… una verdadera obra de arte@rayados 1-1 @Tigresoficial (2-1)
La #FinalRegia en @TheChampions EN VIVO 👉 https://t.co/m6r6JLgbHC pic.twitter.com/70sShv1TgG
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) May 2, 2019
U.S. Soccer
USWNT manager Jill Ellis will announce the U.S.’ full squad for this summer’s World Cup later today.
BUT sources say Ali Krieger is a surprise inclusion, while beast No. 6 McCall Zerboni will be left off.
Heck of a picture there, Paul. Nice work.
Thank Chris, hope to get the full essay up tomorrow.
In Re New Mexico United, Corona Spain native and Bethlehem Steel Alumnus Santi Moar has started brilliantly for his new team. Player of the month for March, a player of the week in April, tied for league lead in goals last time I checked.
That’s a strong comment from Mike and Chris to say this is the best form of any Union team ever. And what’s weird is it’s hard to argue against it?? Maybe the stretch last summer??
I think the team looks like it’s playing better football than it ever has. Sure, there are mistakes, but at times, they look good in possession, in transition, in defense…. Thinking back to what this team played like 5 years ago, it’s light years away.
Union have always taken baby steps when it comes to improving the roster, but this year feels like a turning point.
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I think Ernst has had a lot of input into the way we play now, and Curtin is reaping the benefits of having a mentor.
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I still have frustrations over Curtin’s actions, but he has the team clicking right now – even with big name players out with injury.
Pretty sure that Earnie had even more of an input in how we played, yet he brought in a bunch of players that didn’t fit. I am curious what frustrations you have with Curtin at this point (this year only).
Man I knew Liverpool were screwed when Naby Keita went down. Think Jurgen knew it too.
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Barca had no room in the midfield, were getting punched in the mouth by Liverpool… then Keita out- Liverpool tried to maintain integrity then Messi.
that last sequence for Liverpool in which Firmino’s shot was cleared off the line and Salah sent the rebound into the post was the nail in their Champion’s League coffin. I felt if they could at least get out of there with an away goal, they’d have a chance at Anfield.
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They should still go into next week with belief. If Roma could do it, why not Liverpool at home?
Did not realize Monteiro was born in The Netherlands and is only on a 4 month loan deal. Hope the deal is extended until the end of the season and that he’ll join us next week at Fado to support Ajax!!!
Back to back 6 month loans with an option to buy if I recall correctly. He’ll be here all season, no worries.
was a 4 months deal until end of June https://phillysoccerpage.net/2019/03/05/breaking-philadelphia-union-acquire-midfielder-jamiro-monteiro/
From the article: “While the deal is structured as a four-month loan through June, Philadelphia will be able to EXTEND THE LOAN through the conclusion of the 2019 MLS season AND THEN HAVE THE OPTION TO BUY at the end of the season.“
Finally the team and Curtin has the horses to compete, no coach could have won with the likes of dilettantes of the past. By hook or crook the new director is able to provide enough talent to give every fan reason to go and see games. This is the coach’s team to guide and motivate. Proud of Curtin playing Brendon, he is the right fit to bring along young talent.