Philadelphia Union drew 1-1 in a friendly against Florida Gulf Coast University on Saturday. Carlos Valdes scored for the Union. So far, there's little info available on the game, so if you were there or have photos or more info, please share observations, links, etc. in the comments below.

For those of you wondering, FGCU made the NCAA tournament last year and will play Seattle next week.

Mexico's World Cup qualifying victory clearly shook the US Women's National Team to their core. On Tuesday night, the US settled the score, reminding Mexico, and the world, that there is still an enormous gap in class between the two sides. Were at not for some shoddy finishing and a whole lot of five-alarm defending, the score line could easily have been doubled as the US controlled the match from the opening whistle and were rarely troubled throughout the 90 minutes.

Philadelphia Union

Le Toux spotted with Tim Ream at Bolton's win over Liverpool on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Kyle Scott and crossingbroad.com

A report from The Bolton News on Friday quotes Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle on Sebastien Le Toux, "I've had some decent reports on him. He's very industrious, hard working and looks a very good team player, which is what I'm all about.

Puck Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back into the Happy Hour. Since we last got together, I have been on top of the world. The Syracuse Orangemen (they will never be the Orange to true fans) are the number one team in the land, Manchester City remains atop the EPL table thanks to the head of [...]

Photo: Paul Rudderow.

I tried to tune in to watch the USWNT take on the Dominican Republic at the appointed 10:30 pm start time last night. In the 10 or so minutes it took me to update the stupid Silverlight player and get the game to load, I missed the opening 3 goals, which all happened inside the first 7 minutes of the game.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

The U.S. women's national team won 14-0 over the Dominican Republic on Friday. Yes, the women's soccer team won by that score. Amy Rodriguez scored five goals.

At halftime, Abby Wambach told her teammates to keep scoring in the Olympic qualifier, despite being up 7-0, because goal differential can impact Olympic qualifying qualifying.

U.S. Soccer Communications
VANCOUVER, Canada – The U.S. Women's National Team rolled past a young and over-matched Dominican Republic side to open the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Women's Qualifying Tournament with a dominating 14-0 victory in a match played indoors at BC Place.
The 14 goals set a U.

Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Philadelphia Union v Houston Dynamo watch

Peter Nowak says, "The playoffs are not about worrying who won their last 10 or 20 games, it's going to be who wins this series.

So, we don't need to worry too much about how the Union played against New York, right?

Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Kickoff for Sunday's game is now set for 5pm.

ESPN2 is broadcasting New York Red Bulls v LA Galaxy at 3pm, which pushes the kickoff of Sunday's Union v Houston game, which is also on ESPN2, up to 5pm. Why the start times aren't the other way around, given the fact that the Eagles are playing the Cowboys at the Linc at 8pm, the Giants are playing Miami at 1pm and the Jets have a bye, is beyond me.

New York watch

Tickets are still available for tonight's game. C'mon, you know you want to go.

MLS Gameday Guide download.

Match previews from Philly Soccer Page, MLSsoccer.com, JP Dellacamera, the Inquirer, phillyBurbs.com, the Brotherly Game, Once a Metro (SB Nation NYRB blog even their name is ridiculous).

photo by Michael Long

For the second consecutive season, the Independence were defeated in the WPS Final. Last year, Philadelphia was humbled to the tune of 4-0 in a loss to FC Gold Pride. This year's game played out much differently with the Independence executing their game plan almost perfectly and only really failing to convert the chances they created.

All of at the PSP hope that all of you, yours and all of your stuff made it through Hurricane Irene safe and sound.

Union

RSL's Kyle Beckerman will not join the US team for the Costa Rica friendly on Friday but will stay in Salt Lake City for Saturday's match against the Union.

With the rescheduled New England game meaning the Union will play three games in seven days—Real Salt Lake (A), New England (H) and Portland (H)—Chris Vito writes in the Delco Times that it is time for the Union to get some points.

The final of Women's Professional Soccer between the Philadelphia Independence and the Western New York Flash ended in a 1-1 draw, forcing a dramatic shootout in Rochester, NY. Former Portland Pilot Christine Sinclair of Canada put Western New York ahead in the 67th minute, and the Flash seemed to be in control of the match with Brazilian Marta, the undisputed best player in the world,
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Union

So, no Union game on Sunday because of Hurricane Irene. What's a Philly soccer fan supposed to do? Support the Independence in Saturday's WPS Championship Final (CSN, 4pm), that's what.

Looking at the title of Kerith Gabriel's excellent piece in today's Daily News, "Union's youth has not been served," it would be easy to expect a rant about how some deserving young players on the Union roster are not getting enough playing time.

Union

The Union went down two goals in the first half of Wednesday night's friendly against Harrisburg City Islanders before answering with five second half goals to finish 5–3. Tweets from fans at the game say that Peter Nowak made the starting XI—MacMath; Williams, Miglioranzi, Califf, G. Farfan; Okugo, Adu, Daniel, Le Toux; Paunovic, Mwanga—run laps after the first half.

photo by Michael Long

The Independence defeated magicJack 2-0 in the WPS Super Semi Final at PPL Park on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Tasha Kai and Amy Rodriguez were enough to see the Independence through as magicJack will feel a bit unlucky after hitting the wood work three times over the course of the match.

Photo: Kate Goughary

Will Juan Pablo Angel be joining the Union?

Speculation began to gain momentum when Faryd Mondragon, a close friend of Angel, tweeted, "What a dream come true will be to have my "brother" Juan Pablo Angel to play for the Philadelphia Union, he will fit perfectly in our Team!

Union

Four days remain until the close of the transfer window...

The Union will host its first Supporters Summit on Wednesday, August 17 with Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, Peter Nowak, Faryd Mondragón and MLS Commissioner Don Garber answering questions. If, as Sakiewicz said, "hearing from a wider audience than usual" is the reason for the summit, the fact that only registered members of the Sons of Be will be allowed to attend is rather mystifying, particularly if topics for discussion will include "the Union's style of play, the League schedule, game-day experience, ticketing, stadium expansion, single table alignment and playoff structure.

Sunday's match, the last home game of the regular season, was Fan Appreciation Night.

Tasha Kai once again proved why she is essential to this team, scoring the first goal...

...with this shot over Sky Blue's keeper, Jenni Branam.

photo by Michael Long

A stoppage time goal from Lianne Sanderson kept the Independence in the race for a first place finish in WPS on Sunday night at Widener University. Tasha Kai gave Philly the lead on 17 minutes with a wonderful strike from distance only to see her opener cancelled out seven minutes later by an Eniola Aluko goal.

PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand for Philadelphia Independence Sunday's nights 1–0 Win over the Atlanta Beat. Here are some photos from Sunday's match. (Click on the photo for a full-size photo.)

Heather Mitts being recognized for being on the US World Cup National Team.

Photo: Mike Long

Vero Boquete scored the only goal in the Philadelphia Independence 1–0 win over Atlanta on Sunday night. It was her third game winning goal in the last four games, and with it the Independence secured at least a second place finish in WPS. A season high, 4,000 people were on hand as Philadelphia welcomed the bottom team in WPS to Widener University

The match was the first at home for the Independence's USWNT players Lori Lindsey, Amy Rodriguez and Nicole Barnhart since the end of the Women's World Cup.

PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand for Friday's nights 2–1 loss to Colorado Rapits. Here are some photos from Friday's match. (Click on the photo for a full-size photo.)

Amy Rodriguez of the US Women's World Cup Team was honored at the Union match.

Game time: Sunday, 6 pm

TV: Fox Soccer Channel

The Philadelphia Independence can lock up at least a berth in the WPS Semi Final match with a win on Sunday against the Atlanta Beat. With the news coming out this week that whichever playoff game that Philadelphia hosts would be played at PPL Park, there is added incentive for the Independence.

Photo: Michael Long

Did you buy a ticket for the Independence match against Atlanta on Sunday after seeing some of the Women's World Cup? Or are you just making it down to Widener University for the first time? Here's what you've missed so far during Philadelphia's 2011 campaign:

Early season unevenness.

Public transportation info for the Real Madrid game.

Septa released the following information on Friday:

"Saturday, July 23 @ 9:00 p.m.
Real Madrid vs. Philadelphia Union | Seven Express trains
Leaving Fern Rock at 7:28, 7:38, 7:48, 7:58, 8:08, 8:18 and 8:28 p.m.

Union

A very hearty thank you and big congratulations to Kyle Nakazawa for his wonderfully successful Team Dinner charity event on Thursday night in support of autism awareness. The PSP had the pleasure of dining with Amobi Okugo, one of the many Union players who made the time to support the event.

Team of Destiny.

It didn't matter who won the 2011 Women's World Cup final, the winner already had a title. Japan was the Team of Destiny that brought joy to their nation after a devastating tragedy. The US overcame odds leading up to and then throughout the tournament to improbably reach the finals.

Photo: Earl Gardner

River Cup

"1st time in my life i see such brotherhood, respect and chemistry between the front office, technical staff and owners with the fans! DOOP!"

"Definitely this Franchise and its people are UNIQUE!!! These is what we call a real FAMILY DOOP!!!"

Tweets from Faryd Mondragon (Quote 1, Quote 2)

"This is the culture we are trying to create, one big family, and we hope this is just the beginning of events like this.

By Dr. Raf Crowley Yesterday, Neil W. Blackmon took our readers back through the emotional gauntlet that all true US Soccer fans experienced during the latest heart-stopping track meet, thriller of a match late Sunday morning and early Sunday afternoon. As a US Soccer fan for many years, I was emotionally at a loss for [.

Brazilian Marta kicks off her day with a photo shoot and interview session at the Sports Illustrated offices in NYC. Find out how Marta is ready to see her lifelong dreams realized in just a few short days.

A behind-the-scenes look at professional women's soccer and follow Alex Scott. From the moment she wakes up to the second she goes to sleep, Alex must adjust to her new lifestyle of training.

Union

In this week's power ranking roundup, some say up, some say down, another says no change. The Union stay at no. 4 at MLSsoccer.com while at SBI and Goal.com, the Union move up one spot to no. 5. At Soccer America, the Union drop one spot to no. 4. At ESPN they drop one spot to no. 5.

Veljko Paunovic makes Goal.

The second installment of PUMA's "My Day My Life: Women's Soccer" series that follows four professional women's soccer players as they make their way to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup has been released. Photo: US WNT Blog It features exciting USA and Philadelphia Independence forward Amy Rodriguez training in West Palm Beach, FL and discussing her [.

The US opens Group C play against North Korea on Tuesday (11:45am on ESPN). The Philadelphia Independence has three players representing the squad in Germany (thanks to the departure of midfielder Megan Rapinoe for magicJack), two of whom should be seeing significant time. Here's a breakdown of how the Independence's finest should do at the Women's World Cup.

Amy gets to train in beautiful Palm Beach. How does she prep for the big games in Germany and get ready for her wedding at the same time?

My Day, My Life - Women's Soccer online mini-series ahead of the Women's World Cup in Germany. Karina LeBlanc: How does life pan out for the Canadian player?

Union

Peter Nowak said before Wednesday night's supremely disappointing draw with Kansas City, "We want to give other guys a little time...We can mix things up, create a different look, make other teams guess who's gonna be playing and what kind of quality. All of [the strikers] have different qualities.

photo by Michael Long

While the Union were probably content to grab a point on the road in Colorado, the Independence will feel disappointed not to grab all three as they dominated Atlanta but could not find a breakthrough on Saturday night. Atlanta, the bottom team in the WPS standings, came into the game playing for the draw and did well to stay compact and behind the ball for most of the match.

The Independence wasted Meghan Rapinoe's early first half goal and were defeated 2-1 by the Western New York Flash on Sunday evening at Widener University. Rapinoe struck after just 9 minutes before Becky Edwards and Marta answered back for the undefeated Flash before half time.

Philadelphia coach Paul Riley started the game with Amy Rodriguez as a lone striker, possibly trying to cope with New York's dynamic attack.