How many times can the same themes be explored, over and over, by the same weary commentators that are just as tired of exploring them as fans are of seeing them played out on the pitch, week after week? At what point does the loop reach critical mass, as each and every renewal of the same issues adds another layer of ennui?

Featured image: Nicolae Stoian

The next edition of the Philly Soccer Show podcast, scheduled to be recorded tonight, will feature USMNT U-23 coach Caleb Porter and the Philadelphia Union's top pick in Thursday's SuperDraft, Chandler Hoffman.

Philadelphia Union

Sunderland blog the Roker Report tells fellow SB Nation affiliate the Brotherly Game that team manager Martin O'Neill responded to a reporter's question about rumors of a possible Michael Farfan loan by saying people should not read too much "into these things.

Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Philadelphia Union

Several Union players talk about preseason training at YSC SPorts last week. The team landed in Orlando on Sunday.

Danny Califf, acknowledging that only he and Brian Carroll are the only players remaining on the Union who are older than 27, tells MLSsoccer.

There was nothing friendly about the Philadelphia Union's scrimmage against Costa Rican side A.D. Belen on Thursday.

The match between the two sides had to be called off after a brawl broke out after a Michael Farfan tackle with Belen leading 2-0. Based on video of the fight, Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel and Zac MacMath were at the center of it all before coaches, officials and players separated the two teams.

US

Checkout PSPs match report and look for an analysis piece later today.

As the Sporting News said about last night's USMNT game, "It quickly became apparent...that Brazil is not Scotland."

On the surface, The New York Daily News headline says it all: "US soccer outclassed and out-executed in 4-1 friendly against Brazil at FedEx Field.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

With the SuperDraft behind us, thoughts now turn to the nitty-gritty of the 2012 Union season. Naturally, questions arise. Over a two-part series we pose ten questions to our Union beat reporter, Eli Pearlman-Storch, beginning in part 1 with a focus on formation, roster depth and leadership roles within the starting XI.

Saturday's Sons of Ben-organized Help Kick Hunger charity at McFaddens at Citizen's Bank Park was a huge success. $8,300 was raised at the event, which featured appearances from the Philadelphia Union's Brian Carroll, Zach Pfeffer and Jimmy McLaughlin. The recently retired Veljko Paunovic was also on hand.

Why our new Panamanian friend can take us places we've only dreamed of. Sponsored by Rosetta Stone.

Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

With the signing of Lionard Pajoy, the Union may just be nearing the end of their offseason transactions (at least for outfield players). In a set of three installments, PSP's Eli Pearlman-Storch outlines the most likely formations for the Union in 2012 and how the roster, as currently composed, is suited to play in each.

In which we address the pre-pubescent new roster, and try to see things from where our beleaguered coach stands.

It's that time of year again, Union fans. As of now, our controversial roster is pretty much what it's gonna be. Following an offseason of unusual turnover, heart-rending surprises, vicious debate, and a deluge of tweets fit for no man's daughters, we've got ourselves a team. For better or worse, Union 3.

Like any fucked-up emo mullet, the Union features a reserved business-like rear and an unpredictable, sexy façade. Even with the loss of our well-endowed AARP'er (goalie Faryd Mondragon) and the likely introduction of a new starter (left back and LMFAO-reject Porfirio Lopez), the defense will be ready to build on their success last year.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Following last week's discussion of the merits of the 4-3-3, PSP's Eli Pearlman-Storch outlines the traditional 4–4–2 as it would work for the Union in 2012 in the second of a three-part series.

With the continuing turnover in the roster, the 2012 Philadelphia Union must find consistency on the pitch in order to prove that last year's playoff appearance was no fluke.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Given the erratic nature of the preseason, we have elected to invert our usual post-match format and lead with player ratings. Preseason games are opportunities for positional and tactical experimentation, and so individual player performances become the most important factor in the evaluation of the team as they build towards the regular season.

Philly Roster Talk: Contracts Galore

PUT takes a short look at the glut of contracts the Union signed this week.

The Philly Soccer Page " Williams signs new contract with the Union
PSP's write up on the Williams extension.

Futbol In The Americas (The Series) - The Union Dues
The Union Dues' new series on soccer playing countries in North and South America.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

Peter Nowak says, "I think we have been working on some really good stuff in Florida. Now it's just a matter of improving. Now it's working on fitness, formations and getting guys ready for the season. Because of the Olympic qualifiers, it's kind of hard to determine what our set lineup with will be.

The Union's scrimmage with Belen on Thursday ended in the first half after a scuffle broke out with the Union already down 2–0.

A report on the Belen website (crappy translation here; did the first goal come from a PK?)) accuses the Union of engaging in "anti-football." The report continues, "What most annoyed the Belemitas was the attitude of the coaching staff who, from the beginning, did not stop shouting insults not only to the players but also the Belen referee and his assistants.

The start of a new season is always a magical time. It's a rebirth, a rebooting of hopes that rose and fell the year previous, a joyous gathering of fans, friends, and fanatics who find each other right where they left each other, and so give new breath to what died when the last whistle blew.

By now you've seen the crudely filmed (and conveniently edited) video of our boys in blue throwing down with Costa Rican side Belen. Obviously the whole story isn't told, and who knows what we'll find out when, or ever. Belen claims Union players, unhappy with a penalty in Belen's favor, became increasingly abusive while technical staff looked on.

Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Following the analysis of both the 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 formations, PSP's Eli Pearlman-Storch takes a look at the 4-2-3-1 in the final installment of a three-part series about potential Union formations in 2012.

2012 Starting XI

While a 4-2-3-1 may not seem the most likely setup for the Union to employ in 2012 given their stable of young strikers, it provides an opportunity to dominate the center of the pitch, an area where they struggled in 2011.

Photo: Earl Gardner

The offseason is a brutal mix of rumor, speculation, and roster rebuilding. If you checked out after November, we understand. But here is some PSP original content you might have missed: Eli examined possible Union formations, focusing on the 4-4-2, the 4-3-3, and the 4-2-3-1.

The results of our recent poll are complete. You, loyal readers, have collectively chosen your preferred starting lineup for tonight's battle against the forces of hipsterism. As decided by the masses, we present The People's Starting XI: As you can see, you've gone with a classic 4-4-2 that features Mwanga and Pajoy in a beautiful young buck/wizened vet offensive tandem.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Philadelphia Union did not get off to the start they were looking for in 2012, slumping to a 3–1 defeat at Portland's Jeld-Wen Stadium on a rainy Monday night.

Goals from debutants Jean-Andrew Baptiste and Kris Boyd brought Portland back after the Union's Gabriel Gomez, making his own debut for Philadelphia, gave his side the lead with a powerfully struck free kick.

Following their tumultuous off-season, the Blue and Gold got their third year off on the wrong rain-soaked foot, falling 3-1 in a game mostly characterized by experimentation and tinkering with Philadelphia's controversial new iteration of itself. Despite a brave but bewildered struggle to find their footing, the Union just couldn't find the key to Portland's end of the astro-pitch.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

When Gabriel Gomez's free-kick glanced off of Andrew-Jean Baptiste's head and beyond Troy Perkins, there was a moment where every Union fan allowed themselves to believe that stealing a road win was possible despite the dire performance being turned in by their side.

Finally, the game we were actually waiting for has arrived. With last week's friendly match against Portland out of the way, the Union start their season in earnest this Sunday. Colorado travels down a mile and over about 1500 or so to the unfriendly confines of PPL Park. The tailgate forecast is nothing short of pretty good!

Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

In slumping to a second straight defeat to open the 2012 campaign, frustration ruled the day with more new questions arising about the Union and very few being answered. More questionable tactics, another new formation, and players tasked to play multiple positions.

You've got to take your hat off to Peter Nowak. Just when Philadelphia Union fans think they've seen every possible formation, he rolls out a 3-2-2-1-2.

The narrowest formation, EVER

While we too frequently focus on the nuances of how a team lines up for kickoff, Nowak's 3-2-2-1-2 represents just about the most narrow possible alignment of eleven players on a soccer pitch.

Photo: Earl Gardner

First the positives for the Union.

They kept their first clean sheet of 2012 and outside of two incisive runs from Sebastien Le Toux, the Whitecaps had very little offense of which to speak. True they were without target man Eric Hassli and midfield maestro Camilo Sanvezzo, but the Union's four man backline, finally reunited, got the job done.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

Danny Califf, Brian Carroll and Zac MacMath are participating in the Easter Egg Roll at the White House this morning.

The Union will play their PDL-affiliate Reading United on Saturday, June 9 at at Albright College's Shirk Stadium. The game comes during the two week break for World Cup qualifiers.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

The Union issued a press release on Tuesday in which they said team and league officials will be holding a press conference today at 11:30 to discuss "the competitive aspects of the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game," which seems like a fancy way of saying the All-Star Game opponent will be announced.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

Kerith Gabriel reports at the Daily News that Roger Torres will be out "for 8 to 10 weeks."

Peter Nowak says of the injury, "It doesn't look good. His knee went completely to the side. I knew from the beginning there was something wrong.

The blind squirrels have found their nut. By upholding the high defensive standards that have come to be their most reliable asset, the Union was able to sneak away from PPL Park with 3 points by way of a single penalty kick. While it's fantastic to see the that the Union defense is decidedly back on track, and the Union's movement and possession were much improved, and it's just plum wonderful to put a "W".

PSP photographer Paul Rudderow was on hand for Saturday afternoon's Philadelphia Union 1-0 win over Columbus Crew at PPL Park. Here's a look at what he saw.

Peter Nowak and his staff at the beginning of the match.

Peter Nowak gives a hug of thanks to one of our veterans.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Philadelphia Union

MSNsportsnet profiles Raymon Gaddis after his first start with the Union. Gaddis says of the start, "I had to get my feet under me just because I hadn't played in a game with the first team. I was excited and was trying to get the ball as much as possible those first couple of minutes to get my touches underneath me and get comfortable with the pace of the game.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Philadelphia Union

CALENDAR UPDATE: The kickoff time for the Mother's Day derby with New York Red Bulls at PPL Park on May 13 has been moved from 1:30pm to 12:30pm. The game will be shown live on ESPN2.

Chris Vito reports that Danny Califf will not be ready to play when the Union travel west to play Chivas USA while Danny Mwanga is probably ready.

The Boys in Blue finally, gloriously took three points from their opponents in manly fashion this week, tearing victory from the jaws of the goats with a brief but decisive moment of offensive competence that belied everything else about the season so far. Despite the Union's tenuous hold on the game, the single goal held up even as the Blue and Gold found themselves on their heels more often than not.

Photo: Courtesy of Philadelphia Union/Getty Images

Heading across the country to take on a Chivas USA who despite their poor home form have looked much improved in 2012, the Philadelphia Union would have taken a victory any way they could get it. That's a good thing considering that, although they recorded their second consecutive victory and first road win of the season, they were largely outplayed by their hosts and suffered two important ejections which could hurt them badly in the coming weeks.

The Philadelphia Union plays host to the San Jose Earthquakes Redux in this weekend's 7 PM clash at PPL Park. Coach Petey "Pablo" Nowak will be sitting this one out after receiving a two game suspension for his actions in last weekend's bloodless "melee" at the Home Depot Center. Ever loyal, Gabe Farfan and Keon Daniel have chosen to sit this game out in protest of the sanctions against their favorite coach.

It was a 2 hour drive from the Poconos to PPL Park, the hallowed place a certain unreasonable facsimile of a pseudo-soccer journalist was hell-bent on getting to before 7 o'clock. Having just enjoyed the Pennsylvania countryside in somewhat unconventional fashion, my tired, bleeding, freezing, and only recently electrocuted little self kept the pedal to the medal, kept conscious only by the knowledge that the Union had finally found a little form.