Photo: Earl Gardner
Philadelphia Union
Atlanta coach Frank de Boer confirmed that defenders Michael Parkhurst and Miles Robinson won’t play on Thursday.
On the league’s dime, I believe, since it’s for a playoff game. https://t.co/FIyakjCrN3
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) October 22, 2019
The Philadelphia Union Foundation brought soccer back to Chester High School for the first time in 30 years. Here’s a piece on it over at PA Prep Live.
New episode up of the It’s Always Soccer in Philadelphia podcast.
Local
Both West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzgebirge will advance to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup qualifying. The local rivals will meet on November 23rd or 24th.
An overtime goal vaulted Penn men’s soccer over Drexel. The Quakers won, 1-0.
Penn State’s men’s team drew with James Madison, 1-1.
Join @lovefutbol this Saturday, Oct. 26 for the grand opening of new soccer ⚽️ space at James Finnegan Playground 🍂. The event features cultural performances, music, and sports matches. All are welcome to attend. Learn more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/gYAREeJ208
— Office of Immigrant Affairs (@PhillyOIA) October 22, 2019
MLS
MLS playoff viewers on FS1:
Seattle vs. Dallas: 264,000
Philadelphia vs. Red Bulls: 121,000
Awaiting ESPN numbers for MLS and NWSL
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) October 23, 2019
The Inquirer and Sports Illustrated look at the playoffs.
An Atlanta fan talks through the tactics behind Frank de Boer’s formation change in the win versus New England.
The off-the-field lessons to be learned from LAFC’s first playoff game. Also, over at the LA Times: John Thorrington has been a driving force behind the team’s meteoric rise.
San Jose signed Chris Wondolowski to a one-year deal. It’s not a DP or TAM deal.
Seattle’s Jordan Morris named 2019 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.
Don Garber said he finds the situation regarding Inter Miami’s stadium “frustrating and at times infuriating.” Is this a bad time to mention that Miami might be under water in 20 years?
NWSL
The league named Louisville as its 10th team. They’ll begin play in 2021, a year after the opening of the city’s planned Lynn Family Stadium.
Sacramento is in advanced talks to launch a 2020 team.
After four straight semifinal defeats, the Chicago Red Stars finally got over the hump.
Around the globe
A study reveals a link between soccer and dementia.
Neymar has missed as many games as he’s played for PSG. His transfer fee was €222 million.
Asia’s player of the year has been banned for five months for confronting a referee in the Asian Champions League semifinals.
North Korea lost the right to host the final of Asia’s second-tier club competition over TV concerns.
More than 200 Red Star Belgrade fans attended the Tottenham game despite an UEFA ban.
Facing unbearable heat, Qatar — home of the ’22 World Cup — has begun air-conditioning the outdoors.
Highlight of the day
Hi, I was away for a week without my phone and internet.
What time is the Red Bulls’ next playoff match?
— PREVIOUSLY A METRO (@Once_A_Metro) October 22, 2019
Don Garber on NYCFC stadium situation: “absolutely not frustrating nor at times infuriating. Excuse me now, i need to get a new suit jacket as the lining in these pockets cannot hold all this Saudi money.”
Curtin finished third in Coach of the Year voting
The playoff viewer numbers from Goff are going to be skewed lower for Philadelphia since Comcast subscribers couldn’t watch the game…
truer numbers for midweek games then? not much competition like vs NFL. LAG v LAFC should pull in some good numbers.
Qatar used air conditioning at the stadium for the recent track and field world championships. They also started the marathons at midnight local time.
So late October is basically unplayable.