Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Philadelphia Union
In a preview of Week 1’s opponent, the Union fell 3-2 to FC Dallas in preseason behind Fafa Picault’s opening goal… for Dallas, of course. Highlights here.
Jay Sugarman is enjoying one of the best stretches in the team’s history.
Takeaways from Union 2 manager Sven Gartung’s conference call.
CONCACAF Champion’s League
Montreal Impact took a 2-0 lead over Costa Rican powerhouse Saprissa… and ended with a 2-2 draw in Thierry Henry’s first game in charge.
Meanwhile, Salvadorian side Alianza upset Mexican powerhouse Tigres 2-1.
MLS
How MLS really compares to Liga MX.
Don Garber wants better local TV deals.
MLS Fantasy is back! Here’s what’s new. [Ed.’s note: Not sure how many of y’all play this, but I love it. If you’d like to do a PSP league, I’d be happy to set it up. Let us know in the comments!]
I’ve never played MLS Fantasy, but I’d be interested in a PSP league!
Isn’t MLS fantasy particularly difficult because of the schedule? Sometimes teams play twice a week, etc…. Not a player, just curious how it would work.
You lock your team in for the week, so if a team plays during the week AND the weekend they will take the best score for that player across the two games.
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Also I’m in if you start a PSP league.
That makes sense.
I like the rivalry between Liga MX and MLS. As far as which is better, I don’t care too much. MLS doesn’t have much of a claim until it can win the CCL, though.
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It’s too bad more couldn’t be made of the CCL. And it’s too bad the Union aren’t in it. I’d have loved to go to Subaru Stadium to watch them take on Saprissa or Tigres.
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Even though it’s a “lesser” tournament, this is why I’m excited to see Leagues Cup this summer. There is some of this same energy in it.
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Honestly, I would be fine with ditching our annual friendly to make room for tournament games.
In regards to Tannenwald’s article, Union definitely needs to do more to take advantage of this market. MLS has been fighting for relevancy for decades – not just against American Football, but against English Football too. Philly certainly falls heavily into both these categories, so I realize it’s been an uphill climb.
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As we build up to WC ’26 Philly (which I fully expect to win a host city spot) should have a spotlight on it – which the ’22 MLS tv deal ~should~ be banking on heavily, and hopefully this is on McDermott’s mind as well. I would love to see the Union get a head start on this wave over the next few years so that they can ride the swell when it hits!!
Someplace, earlier this offseason, I read an analysis of Philly’s chances for 2026 WC.
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NY & DC are locks, and Robert Kraft is honorary chair of the bid effort, so it is likely that Boston is as well.
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Adding another NE Corridor location does not enhance the stated geographic balance criterion, so figure out how to overcome that obstacle.
Where would games be played in DC though? FedEx Field is not a good venue for Soccer, plus it doesn’t have many suites either. Philly would be a better choice, as the Linc is actually a very good venue for Soccer, and has the requisite number of premium seating available. Along with plenty of areas for teams to train during their off days (Power training Complex and the Nova Care Center).