US Open Cup
Reading United won its first US Open Cup match in five tries on Tuesday night, defeating New
York Greek American Atlas, 2–1.
A rebounding shot from Ryan Finley found Pedro Ribeiro to put Reading on the board in the 37th
minute. Finley would give Reading the 2–0 in the 55th minute when a foul from former Philadelphia
Union defender Christian Arrieta resulted in a free kick delivery from Steven Neumann.
The Fire head into Philadelphia facing another must win situation. After consecutive draws that
felt like losses the team should realize that time is quickly running out if they are to make a run
for one of the remaining possible playoff spots. The first contest between the two sides resulted
in a 2-1 Fire victory that Union manager Peter Nowak was not happy with.
Photo: MLSSoccer.com
Roster turnover. Throughout the Union's brief two year life in MLS, it has been one of the
unavoidable topics surrounding the team. Each season has seen a drastic overhaul of the lineup and
this year is no different. With the opening kickoff in Portland only days away, PSP takes a moment
to check in with all the former Union players to see where they've landed for the 2012 season.
In a move that surprised no one, the Philadelphia Union waived defender Christian Arrieta during
their pre-season camp in Orlando. Arrieta was signed last April after a successful stint with the
Puerto Rico Islanders. It seemed like a good move at the time. Arrieta was a two-time Defender of
the Year while in NASL and had previously spent many years playing in the lower divisions in
Italy.
New season. New faces. New roles. New tactics. As we move ever closer to the start of the 2011
season, the PSP takes a look possible tactical formations the Union might employ. Today, Mike
throws out the idea of trying a 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfielders creating possession and
allowing lots of off the ball movement.
One year was enough at UNC
On August 31, 2010, when the Union picked up Sheanon Williams from the Harrisburg City
Islanders, the hope was that he could become the speedy outside fullback that would allow Michael
Orozco Fiscal to move back to the center of the pitch and so provide the defense with some much
needed depth.
The Philadelphia Union are a playoff caliber team. It's true. The league's most valuable player
(official or not), two of the most exciting young offensive prospects in MLS, An endless supply of
young, talented midfielders, a driven coach, and an assistant coach who made his name as a player
development guru.
Union
Goal.com's head-to-head preview of Saturday's match against Chivas USA has the Philly guy
predicting a 2–0 Union win and the Chivas guy a 3–1 Union win. Our preview predicts a 2–1 win
if Jonathan Bornstein plays, a 3–1 win if he doesn't.
The Daily News takes a closer look at what the Union will be doing with the $50K it won for high
school soccer in Chester.
PPL Park seemed to let out a collective groan as the starting eleven were announced. Â All the
usual suspects with the exception of Brad Knighton in goal and Nick Zimmerman who earned a rare
start in an attacking midfield role that pushed Danny Mwanga up top as a lone striker. Â The 4-5-1
formation should have congested the midfield and helped the Union to win more ball, yet it ended up
costing the Union the little possession Chivas allowed and the aging pair of Coudet and Miglioranzi
often resembled highway cones as speedy Chivas' players darted in and out of their clumsy
challenges.
Union
Here's a preview of tonight's match against Real Salt Lake. If you don't have tickets you can
watch the game on Live Well HD Network and MyNetwork TV WQMY at 7:30pm.
Because of Brad Knighton's suspension following his red card in Sunday's game, Danny Cepero,
currently of Harrisburg City Islanders and formerly of the New York Energy Drinks, will be on the
Union bench should anything happen to Chris Seitz.
Soccer Saturday came and went in a blink of an eye. It started off at the Strikers tailgate at
Lockhart Stadium and ended at The Fox & Hound Pub as I saw the USA get beat by Mexico... It was a
tough loss. I'm sure everyone else has covered that subject so I'll just leave it at that.
As I mentioned, the tailgate at Lockhart was perhaps the highlight of the day.
