[UPDATE: Player-related announcement expected Friday afternoon.] SBI reports Gabriel Farfan signed. Why we shouldn’t worry so much about having only five defenders. MacMath and Okugo to miss three games for national team duty. Independence doubleheader on Saturday. Where does MLS stand “soccermetrically”? Champions League draw, your weekend Footy on the Telly listings and more.
Soccer America ranks Union defense 17th in the league; Soccer America says Valdes could make the Union playoff contenders – which is it, guys? Makeshift defense news. Ruiz has a lot to say. Are the Union a “darkhorse”? Wacky video blasts from the past and much more news.
A look at Independence news and notes, including Independence players at the Algarve Cup, coach Paul Riley’s new award, and the team’s group of new sponsors for the 2011 season
Tweet roundup from Greece (it’s a slow news day!), season previews, more on FC Dallas as the Land of Misfit Former Union Players, owner of local soccer blog affiliate bought by the owner of another local soccer blog affiliate, you weekend TV listings and more.
As the Independence start preseason training, six players are absent with the best excuse in the world: they’re representing the USA.
The Michael Orozco Fiscal mystery to be cleared up at a press conference later today. Details of US Open Cup match against DC released. Ruiz says it was always the Union for MLS return. RSL first MLS team to reach CONCACAF CL semis. That poor owl has died and much, much more news.