The Philly Soccer Page Archives for January 2014
The US can't keep up with Belgium for talent, but they have probably been the better team after three matches. Strong games from Fabian Johnson and Damarcus Beasley are key to an American victory on Tuesday.
There were signs of real progress as the Union returned to league play with a 3-1 road win over New England.
Recap roundup from Union's win on Saturday. USA news ahead of Tuesday's big game against Belgium. MLS and NWSL results . More news.
A 76th minute penalty kick from Ignacio Maganato gave Reading a 2-1 win over the Mid-Atlantic division leading Jersey Express.
Postgame comments from the Union's Jim Curtin, Sebastien Le Toux, Amobi Okugo, and from New England's Jay Heaps, Chris Tierney, and Jose Goncalves.
The Union returned to league action with a 3-1 victory in New England. Jim Curtin moves to 3-0-0 as interim Philadelphia coach.
Kevin Kinkead has grabbed the lead for himself, but Jonathan Tannenwald and Mike Servedio are only 1 and 2 points behind, respectively.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the first game at PPL Park, Brad Youtz shares photos of the stadium's groundbreaking and construction.
Portugal and Ghana proved they were the bottom of the group while the Russian ensured they would all sleep with thoughts of angry Putin in their heads. Belgium slunk by South Korea to set up a showdown with the US of A.
Reaction to the win over NY Cosmos, World Cup thoughts, and the USA advances. It's The Week in Tweets.
A new head coach will lead the Union out against a team that recently put five past them with ease. Jim Curtin will be looking for a stout defensive showing from his new charges as the Union try to solve New England before the teams meet in the US Open Cup on July 8.
Kevin Kinkead joins Greg and Eli to talk about the US advancing at the World Cup and the Union's league game against New England.
Get up to speed on the Union-Revolution series history with highlights from our match reports and analysis, video highlights, and match stats.
With Portugal and Ronaldo getting the job done against Ghana, the US played a cautious game of damage limitation and in the end results dictated that they never needed to mount a serious attack.
USA advances to Round of 16 at the World Cup despite loss to Germany. Union readies for New England. Suarez banned by FIFA. More news.
Your weekly listings of live soccer on TV, online, and on satellite radio, including the start of the World Cup knockout rounds, and the return of MLS play.
Messi magic, shockingly good Shaqiri, and signs of improvement from Nigeria were the highlights as Argentina and France looked like the clear frontrunners coming out of their respective groups.
On a very soggy night in Recife, the U.S. held a dynamic German team at bay, and while they lost the match, 1–0, Portugal's 2–1 win over Ghana sent them through to the next round of the World Cup.
The 4-4-2 the Union trotted out against the Cosmos left wide open spaces in the heart of the pitch on both sides of the ball. If they choose to do the same against the Revolution on Saturday, the result will likely be very different.
USA news and previews ahead of today's big game. Ghana camp in turmoil. More news.
Scott Ellis on why he believes soccer has arrived in the US.
PSP photographer Paul Rudderow's look at the Philadelphia Union's 2-1 extra time win over the New York Cosmos in the fifth round of the US Open Cup.
South Jersey native Mark Geiger's MLS officiating has been notable enough (for the wrong reasons) to start the Geiger Counter as a regular measure of bad MLS refereeing. His stellar performance at the World Cup forces a reevaluation.
Have you shaken off that Portugal game yet? You'd best hope the U.S. team has, because Germany's next.
England and Italy are out, Uruguay is through, but Suarez is done. And we all get the joy of watching Greece grind out another 90 minutes in the knockout rounds.
Recaps and reactions from another long, and ugly, US Open Cup win for the Union. USA and World Cup news. More news.
The Union survived another extra time match, taking down the New York Cosmos 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Sebastien Le Toux to advance to the US Open Cup quarterfinals.
Video of Jim Curtin's postgame press conference and interviews with Antoine Hoppenot, Amobi Okugo, Andre Blake and Sheanon Williams. Also, post game quote sheet.
Union prepare for tonight's US Open Cup game against New York Cosmos. Fabio Cannavaro linked to Union for head coach. New ratings record for US game against Portugal. More.
PSP hosts a little contest to give away tickets to Philadelphia Union's U.S. Open Cup match Tuesday against the New York Cosmos.
The US was the better team on the night, but serious mistakes at the start and end of the match forced them to accept a 2-2 draw against Portugal.
Recap and reaction to US draw with Portugal. Advancement scenarios. Union bits. More news.
Jonathan Tannenwald and Kevin Kinkead are leading the way through two rounds, but Leo Fernandes and PSP's Eli Pearlman-Storch are nipping at their heels.
Down after five minutes, the US battled back to take the late lead only to concede the equalizer in stoppage time.
Steve Holroyd looks at the history of the Philadelphia Atoms and Philadelphia Fury against the New York Cosmos in NASL play between 1973 and 1980.
Greg and Eli are joined by All Three Points podcast co-host (and PSP contributor) Jeremy Lane to talk about the USA's big win over Ghana and Sunday's game against Portugal. Also, the Union in the US Open Cup.
Reaction to the win against Harrisburg, USA/World Cup thoughts, and more. It's The Week in Tweets.
While this game hinges on the health of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, the U.S. outlook is positive.
A crucial two-game home stand could see Reading at the top of the table.
Will Ronaldo play or won't he? Who should start in place of Altidore? Orlando City close to signing Kaka. Morgan scores two for USWNT. More news.
The 2010 Runners-Up are aging, but could the Dutch finally grab their first World Cup trophy in a year few expect it to happen? Earl Reed looks at the situation for the Oranje.
Your weekly listings of live soccer on TV, online, and on satellite radio, including USA vs. Portugal on Sunday and USA vs. Germany on Thursday.
Junior Lone Star defender Anthony Dunor signs pro contract with Frano SK of Sweden's Division III Mellersta Norrland League.
Junior Lone Star battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn their first-ever point at LVU Sonic.
PSP photographer Paul Rudderow shares his look at Tuesday night's Union win in extra time over Harrisburg in the US Open Cup.
Everybody loves an underdog, especially one that can win. Thomas Hardy on why you should support Colombia as your second World Cup team.
Union tops Reading with late goals. Parking company files federal racketeering charges against Chester and company that owns Union. US Open Cup results. Altidore our for Portugal game. More.
After taking an early lead, the Union came from behind with two late goals to win the fifth edition of the annual friendly with partner club Reading United.
In 1891, some 79 years before the founding of the NASL's New York Cosmos, an All-Philadelphia team played the New York Cosmopolitans in the first of a series of games for the Philadelphia-New York intercity championship.
Monday night's win over Ghana was a roller coaster ride. Seth Finck shares his running diary of the game.
Mertens makes magic for Belgium, No-choa goals for Brazil, and Akinfeev gives a gift to South Korea.
Still looking for that Second Team to root for? Uruguay is back in the underdog's seat after a shock loss to Costa Rica. Here's why you should back them, as PSP continues its World Cup series.
Union win ugly in US Open Cup fourth rounder. Besler, Dempsey good for Portugal game, Altidore still in doubt. US Open Cup results. More news.
It was ugly, but the Union fought back after going down a goal in the first half, finding an equalizer late in regulation time before scoring twice in the second period of extra time to advance to the fifth round of the US Open Cup.
Video of Jim Curtin's postgame press conference.Also, postgame quotes from Andrew Wenger, Andre Blake, and Harrisburg coach Bill Becher.
Germany does the business, Nigeria and Iran put us to sleep, John Brooks wakes us back up by making his dream come true.
The game plan went out the window after a minute and the US lost two critical starters by halftime, but that didn't stop them from digging deep and claiming a precious three points against Ghana.
Kevin Kinkead with pregame quotes from Union manager Jim Curtin, Harrisburg manager Bill Becher, and former Union man and now City Islander Morgan Langley.
With the enthralling first round of group play almost in the books, the Union Clairvoyants, PSP Prognosticators and Media Oracles have had a reasonable amount of success, with 13 of our 15 experts sitting at 50% correct or higher.
Steak dinners at midnight, those classic uniforms, and a high-octane attack. Scott Ellis shares why Argentina should be your second team for the World Cup.
Reaction to big US win over Ghana in their World Cup opener. Union take on Harrisburg tonight in US Open Cup. More news.
The U.S. defeated Ghana in the most dramatic circumstances possible. Savor it.
A wonderful weekend of World Cup action saw creativity and attacking intent take center stage in Brazil.
Jim Curtin said all the right things at his first public appearance as Philadelphia Union's head coach. More importantly, it was clear he meant them. PSP's Dan Walsh weighs in.
We come to our second teams in many different ways. Staci Klemmer support of Cameroon began when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa.
Chris and Jeremy discuss the Hackworth firing. Also, World Cup fever and what to do when your girlfriend realizes how good looking Cristiano Ronaldo is.
The wait is over as the US faces Ghana tonight in their World Cup opener. Nowak sues MLS and players union. Union have a new minority owner. NASL romps over MLS in US Open Cup. More news.
With two counterattacking teams facing off, expect a cagey start in USA v Ghana. But with both teams needing the win, the fireworks might start late.
Former Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak claims that MLS ordered the Union to fire him.
Vancouver reaction, Hack is sacked, World Cup thoughts and more. It's The Week in Tweets.
We hadn't planned on pulling out the ol' Geiger Counter until the man himself took center stage for the Colombia-Greece matchup on Saturday. But, alas, Yuichi Nishimura performance in the Brazil vs. Croatia World Cup opener gives us little choice.
Notes and quotes from Jim Curtin's first press conference. Officiating the story after World Cup opener. US Soccer prez says FIFA has not asked US to prepare organizing committee in case 20022 WC taken from Qatar. More.
Obviously, we'll all root against Germany when they play the US. But, as Ben Tracy writes, when that isn't the case, there are plenty of reason to cheer for die Mannschaft>.
Your weekly listings of live soccer on TV, online, and on satellite radio.
1994 US World Cup team head coach Bora Milutinovic called Mike Sorber the team's MVP. PSP talks to Sorber, who says his path to the US national team began with a bit of luck, about playing in the 1994 World Cup,
With the World Cup finally upon us, PSP begins our tournament-long competition against members of the Philadelphia Union and the local soccer media to see whose ability to predict results reigns supreme.
Morgan Langley and Jimmy McLaughlin have been on fire for Harrisburg as they gradually right the ship. PSP has this weekly report.
With the World Cup kicking off today, native Brazilian Lavinia DeCastro Walsh explains why you should root for Brazil as your second team. PSP's series on second teams to cheer in the World Cup continues.
It's World Cup time! News from Brazil, Union, MLS, USA news. Latest Blatter blatherings. More news.
The Union have dismissed the last coach remaining from the team's inaugural 2010 season. (Vartughian, pictured at left)
Greg and Eli are joined by PSP's Adam Cann to discuss the end of the Hackworth era, the changes interim head coach Jim Curtin might bring about, and whether there is enough time to save the 2014 season.
The axe has fallen. Now what? Some thoughts on where the Union can go from here, both in the managerial search and on the field.
Apathy has kicked in for one PSP fan writer, and it's time to answer its call.
PSP's series on second World Cup teams you should support continues with Australia, who Chris Luczowiak says is the cool little brother you just might have had.
Sakiewicz on why Hackworth was fired and what Curtin brings. Casey, Nogueira, and Okugo are top performers. US and World Cup news. More.
PSP brings together a roundtable chat to talk about Philadelphia Union's decision to fire manager John Hackworth.
Jim Curtin named as interim head coach after John Hackworth is "relieved of his duties as team manager."
Were you at Saturday's wild Union game? PSP's Dan Walsh was in the stands at PPL Park, and he has some observations to share. (Hint: This is not analysis. Well, most of it isn't.)
Much of the US soccer community was shocked by the omission of Landon Donovan from the US World Cup roster. Steve Holroyd takes a look at some of the surprising US World Cup roster omissions that preceded Donovan's.
After winning the African Cup of Nations in 2013, Nigeria comes into the World Cup boasting a stout, organized defense mixed with plenty attacking flair. Guest contributor Amobi Okugo makes the case that Nigeria has the best chance for success in Brazil of any African team.
Maidana in MLS TOW, Casey joins in in Goal.com's TOW. USA in Brazil. Blatter calls press reports of corruption in 2022 WC vote racist. More news.
Second half adjustments helped solidify the midfield and sparked the Union fightback.
PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand Saturday night for a rollercoaster of a game that ended in a draw between Philadelphia Union and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Forget the game itself. Think of what the soccer can do. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it can do something far larger than sports itself. That's why, if you're going to root for any team in the World Cup other than the U.S., PSP's Dan Walsh thinks it's these guys.
Hot town, summer in the city—must be time for Conor Casey to start scoring. He's PSP's Player of the Week.
News from Union draw and USA win. Klinsmann on formation talk, More Qatar 2022 bribery allegations. World Cup sponsors starting to pressure FIFA. More news.
Picking the right time to put together its best team performance, the U.S. defeated Nigeria, 2–1, on Saturday in a game that could have been even more comfortable. It was the perfect send-off before the World Cup.
Video of John Hackworth's postgame press conference and interviews with Zach Pfeffer, Ray Gaddis, Maurice Edu, Michael Lahoud and Amobi Okugo. Also, postgame quote sheet.
With two penalty kicks, one red card, and far more animosity than usually accompanies a friendly, Costa Rica's final send off match against the Republic of Ireland produced an energetic, entertaining display. Includes video highlights of the game.
In their final match before the World Cup break, the Union came from behind with an exhilarating comeback, but were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw.
The U.S. will look to close out its domestic World Cup warm-up tour with a confident display against Nigeria on Saturday.
The Union have played Vancouver four times since the Whitecaps joined MLS in 2011. We've got match stats, highlights from our match reports and analysis, video highlights, and more.
Union vs. Vancouver previews. Harvey liked Vancouver. USA news. More World Cup head-shaking news. More.
For the next of our CONCACAF brethren at the World Cup, Barb Colligon takes us through her beloved Costa Rica.
Your weekly listings of live soccer on TV, online, and on satellite radio, including the last Union game before the World Cup break, the last USA game before the team heads to Brazil, and the first game of the 2014 World Cup.
A perfect test for a Union defense boosted by an organized shutout over Chivas: The Caps will attack with speed and numbers, and Philadelphia will need to double down on the structural lessons learned from a beatdown loss and a pick-me-up win out west.
An 80th minute goal from Dodji Freitas cut LVU Sonic's lead in half but the Stars couldn't find an equalizer against the NPSL Northeast Region Champs.
Root for England? Tom Paine would be aghast! But that's what one PSP writer wants you to do as we continue our World Cup series on teams to root for after the United States.
Notes from John Hackworth's weekly press conference. Midweek game results. USA news. Witchdoctor claims responsibility for Ronaldo injury woes. More news.
PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand for Tuesday's international friendly between Greece and Nigeria.
John Hackworth on the importance of the Vancouver game ahead of the World Cup break, Brian Carroll status, whether Aaron Wheeler will continue at center back, Union loanees at Harrisburg being cup tied, and much more.
MLS loses many of its stars during the World Cup. Here's why the break should be even longer.
Ever the optimist, Staci Klemmer is holding out that someday the team she's rooting for -- her kids' teams, the Union -- will win something big.
Tuesday's international friendly at PPL Park featured lots of end-to-end play but no goals. Includes video of postgame wrap with Philly.com's Jonathan Tannenwald and PSP's Eli Pearlman-Storch.
If the Union get past Harrisburg, they host either Red Bulls or Cosmos in US Open Cup fifth round. McLaughlin named to USL PRO TOW. Sex OK for USA at WC. Clinton freaked out when US didn't win 2022 WC bid. More news.
No, this is not a misprint. If you're looking for a second team to support at this summer's World Cup, look no further than our neighbors to the south. PSP's World Cup series continues.
Philly.com's Jonathan Tannenwald joins Greg and Eli to talk about the Union's win over Chivas USA and the US national team after Sunday's win over Turkey.
There are lessons to be learned from the Union's trip west. Will the coaching staff let failure be their teacher, or will the win at Chivas trick them into staying the course?
Wait. You want us to root for Italy? Those cheaters? Oh yes, Scott Pugh does, and he makes a great case for it in PSP's ongoing World Cup series focusing on teams you should cheer for after the United States.
Several locals made their mark in the goal column last week.
Union Homegrown player and loanee is starting to tear up the lower leagues. He looks ready for the next level, and is PSP's Player of the Week.
Union and USMNT bits and bobs. FIFA investigator will not consider new 2022 World Cup bribery allegations. Platini denies wrongdoing. More news.
It's a top-of-the-table Keystone Conference clash as Junior Lone Star host LVU Sonic on Wednesday evening at Monsignor Bonner High School Stadium in Drexel Hill.
PSP's old contrarian friend Conor O'Grady pitches in on our World Cup series to tell you why Ghana is the team you should root for after the United States. Yes, THAT Ghana. Really.
Chivas USA makes everyone look good. Fortunately for Philadelphia Union, they were this week's beneficiary, but they earned it.
Recaps from Union win. USA tops Turkey. David Villa signs with New York City FC. Widespread calls for 2022 World Cup revote after new report alleges widespread bribery. More.
Junior Lone Star move into second place in the NPSL's Keystone Conference with a goal from Seydou Ba and a second half brace from Aboubacar Coulibaly.
A fab finish from Fabian Johnson and a Clint Dempsey tap-in saw the Americans past a challenging opponent at Red Bull Arena.
Goals from defenders Robbie Sagel, Jack Webber, as well as Nicholas Surkamp, powered Reading to a 3-0 home win on Saturday.
Conor Casey got the job done for the Union, bagging a brace as the Union snapped their two-game losing streak, 3-0.
Postgame quotes from John Hackworth, Conor Casey, and Fred following the Union's 3-0 road win over Chivas USA.