Don Anding shines, Keon Daniel doesn't, and a healthy D.C. midfield finally emerges for a bit. PSP has analysis and player ratings on Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup match.
Photo: Earl Gardner Author's note: This post takes a big picture look at John Hackworth's performance during his first year as Union manager. For an evaluation of his on-field tactical management, read Adam Cann's accompanying post tomorrow. To say that John Hackworth inherited a troubled Philadelphia Union club one year [.
The US defeated Panama 2-0 to move to the top of the Hex in World Cup qualifying. Hack expects a "feisty" USOC match against DC. Union reaches 2010 tax payment plan with Chester. More news.
Article by Leanne Elston The Games Philadelphia Union 3-0 Columbus Crew
The Philadelphia Union cruised to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew last Wednesday, a win that pushed them into third place in the Eastern Conference.
There have been some woeful games yet the Union find themselves in third pace in the Eastern Conference. While a tough road lies ahead, is there reason to be hopeful for a November season?
A tired and listless Union, their disconnected midfield, and Ocean City's great showing in the U.S. Open Cup. PSP's Dan Walsh weighs in the week that was in Union soccer land.
Philadelphia Union starting XI: (4-1-2-1-2) Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Jeff Parke, Amobi Okugo, Sheanon Williams; Brian Carroll; Michael Farfan, Danny Cruz; Kleberson; Sebastien Le Toux, Jack McInerney
Philadelphia Union bench: Keon Daniel, Antoinne Hoppenot, Chris Albright, Conor Casey, Chris Konopka, Leo Fernandes, Matt Kassel
Toronto starting XI: (4-4-2) Joe Bendik; Darren O'Dea, Steven Caldwell, Doneil Henry, Ryan Richter; Jeremy Hall, Matias Laba, Bobby Convey, Jonathan Osorio; Robert Earnshaw, Luis Silva
Toronto bench: Gale Agbossoumonde, Jeremy Brockie, Danny Koevermans, Reggie Lambe, Quillan Roberts, Darel Russell, Ashtone Morgan
Prediction: Despite playing like absolute ass against the top teams this year, the Union have actually gotten a lot of good results against weak competition this season.
The Union coaching staff has praised the team's depth but only 16 field players have seen more than 10 minutes in 2013 and 2 of those are no longer on the team. PSP takes a look at the impact Union substitutions have had on games this season.
Quotes and recaps from the Union's 2-1 win over Ocean City in the US Open Cup. Reading travels to face Red Bulls tonight. News ahead of USA v Belgium. More.
A lucky goal and a rare moment of quality do not a spirited comeback make. The Union would do well to put this match in the past as quickly as possible if they hope to secure any points from their next Canadian road trip.
Philadelphia Union starting XI: (4-4-2) Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Bakary Soumare, Amobi Okugo, Sheanon Williams; Brian Carroll, Danny Cruz, Kleberson, Michael Farfan; Jack McInerney, Sebastien Le Toux
Philadelphia Union bench: Chris Konopka, Chris Albright, Keon Daniel, Leo Fernandes, Roger Torres, Conor Casey, Antoine Hoppenot
Chicago Fire starting XI: (4-4-2) Sean Johnson; Wells Thompson, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Gonzalo Segares; Dilly Duka, Logan Pause, Jeff Larentowicz, Joel Lindpere; Patrick Nyarko; Chris Rolfe
Chicago Fire bench: Paolo Tornaghi, Michael Videira, Corben Bone, Brendan King, Alex, Quincy Amerikwa, Sherjill MacDonald
Prediction: The last time these two squads met, the Union won but things could have gone better.
The Union managed to steal three points in Chicago, but outside of Zac MacMath, Jack McInerney and Sebastien Le Toux's pinpoint delivery, there were precious few positives.
Philadelphia Union starting XI: (4-4-2) Zac MacMath; Gabriel Farfan, Amobi Okugo, Bakary Soumare, Raymon Gaddis; Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan, Danny Cruz; Conor Casey, Jack McInerney
Philadelphia Union bench: Matt Kassel, Roger Torres, Chris Konopka, Sebastien Le Toux, Chris Albright, Kleberson, Antoine Hoppenot
Chicago Fire starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Sean Johnson; Gonzalo Segares, Austin Berry, Jalil Anibaba, Wells Thompson; Dan Paladini, Logan Pause, Joel Lindpere, Dilly Duka; Chris Rolfe; Patrick Nyarko
Chicago Fire bench: Corben Bone, Quincy Amerikwa, Paolo Tornaghi, Alex, Maicon Santos, Michael Videira, Yazid Atouba
Prediction: The Union continue to run out a formation and starting XI that has been show time and again to not work.
Join or Die. (image: mobile-wallpapers.feedio.net)
OTF's Stephen Mangat brings you the truth on the team he supports, the Philadelphia Union...
If given the choice, who would you rather have running the company for which you work: a talented, volatile and antagonistic man with a Napoleon complex or a decent simpleton who seems to be a stooge for the board of directors and a bane of the shareholders and employees?
PSP analyzes Philadelphia Union's salary breakdown and identifies the steals (like Ray Gaddis, pictured), veteran bargains, surprises, and winner of the Juan Diego Gonzalez Award. Also, we take a look at several potential trade scenarios for Bakary Soumare.
There were plenty of chances to win the match - the final uncalled penalty aside - but the Union left too much space for Seattle in the attacking third and paid the price.
Stepping before the Philadelphia Union's media after a 2-2 tie with the Seattle Sounders, head coach John Hackworth made it clear that he was not happy with the head referee's decisions at the end of the game.
"It blows my mind," Hackworth said, that refs could be "as bad as that." The Union team manager went on to say that has was set to "raise his hand and take my fine.
Nick Sakiewicz says Union want to keep rising stars, not spend on DP. McInerney still No. 1 in Castrol Index. Harrisburg host Charleston as Anding named to USL PRO Team of the Week. More news.
There was very little about which to smile in the Union's 2-0 defeat against the Revs. Perhaps John Hackworth will shuffle his deck before Saturday's showdown with Seattle.
Union prepare for New England. More Jack love. Wilson visits Dortmund, Schalke and Espanyol while waiting to start with the Union. Costs puts goal-line tech on hold for MLS. More.
Are the Union a possession or counterattacking team? What's going on with the Union midfield? PSP explores with some postgame analysis and player ratings for Sunday's game against DCU.
Quotes and reaction from Unions first win at RFK as McInerney rises to top of league scoring table. Hernandez and Jordan score as City Islanders make it two in a row. Warner and Blazer fraudulently profited. More news.
Last season's motto for D.C. United was "Take Back RFK". They certainly did that by compiling a 12-1-4 record at the old building and instilling a new confidence in the squad. Apparently the motto so far in this disastrous start to the 2013 season should be named "Give Back RFK" as United lost their third [.
Hackworth says why disrupt Casey-Mac partnership when its working so well. Union officials to talk PPL expansion. Klinsmann says Donovan USA return not a sure thing. FIFA general secretary says democracy makes things hard. More news.
Jack McInerney is youngest player ever to lead MLS goalscorers list, first Union player to be named the MLS Player of the Week since 2011, first Union player to top Full Castrol Index. MLS ranked seventh best league in the world. Blatter hacked. More.
This Saturday the 1-3-2 New England Revolution take on the 3-2-2 Philadelphia Union at Gillette. To help preview the game and give a Union perspective, I interviewed Dan Walsh, editor and founder, of The Philly Soccer Page.
Its been a good start to the season for Philadelphia with only one defeat in your last seven games.
