The former all-star looks set to replace injured center back Jeff Parke in Saturday's nationally televised game. "My expectation is that he makes the most of this," Union manager John Hackworth said.
PSP provides some of the missing details on the Freddy Adu-Kleberson deal after talking to Adu's agent and the Union. PSP also provides a bit of an autopsy as Adu's chapter in the Union book finally closes.
Three good center backs, two positions. As people look for someone to blame for Bakary Soumare's trade request, PSP explains why no one is to blame and this is just life and sport.
Extensive quotes from John HAckworth on Freddy Adu, Kleberson, and Soumare. News from the USMNT ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica. More.
In an wide-ranging exclusive interview, Philadelphia Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz tells PSP that Freddy Adu was never asked to take a pay cut and has turned down transfer offers from five countries. He also addresses PPL Park expansion, the Nowak controversy and more.
Last season: Things got off to an ugly start, as Sebastien Le Toux's rumored trial with Bolton Wanderers turned into a fiasco. Le Toux returned, and the Union immediately shipped him off to Vancouver. This capped off the dismantling of a 2011 playoff team and saw their fanbase turn on Peter Nowak, who seemed to not be aware that fans will question team leadership when they do things that defy explanation.
The Union's new third kit to be unveiled tonight. Vidal and Hristov no longer trialing with the Union. Season previews galore. US win over Canada tonight sees them in U-20 World Cup. More news.
Trialist from Real Madrid with the Union. McInerney named a Top 10 US U-21 player. Union's Disney Pro Classic matches to be streamed. USA v Canada news. More on Qatargate. More news.
Another offseason of major turnover for the Philadelphia Union has put Roger Torres in an interestingly awkward position. He's now the face of the now defunct and soon forgotten era of Peter Nowak.
Torres was one of the first international players to be acquired by the Union in the franchise's history and soon was part of an influx of Colombians into Philadelphia.
The surprising Don Anding pick and Freddy Adu drama overshadowed a great piece of draft work by the Union with Stephen Okai. One PSP contributor reacts to each move and is far more reluctant to lose Adu than you'd think.
Pfeffer nets second goal in second game with Hoffenheim. 10 Reading United alumni at Combine while Finley and Gomez await Hermann Trophy announcement and Brown signs GA contract. KC to host 2013 All-Star Game, more
Reports out of Colombia say Carlos Valdes will begin preseason training with Santa Fe on Jan. 3. Blatter says MLS "still struggling." Best goals of the year videos. More news.
It's not a perfect comparison, but given that coaches can hire their own sporting directors, international scouts and other front office staff that handle transfers, Nick Sakiewicz could be considered the Philadelphia Union's version of Adrian Hanauer.
Sakiewicz is a part owner of the Union and has played a pivotal part in the organization's development over since joining Major League Soccer in 2010.
The trade of Josue Martinez shows how the Union are persistently erasing signs of Diego Gutierrez's tenure as Union scouting director. That's not by accident.
The Union's preseason picture clearer with release of Disney Pro Soccer Classic schedule. ESPN tips PPL Park to host WC qualifier. Rafa Marquez leaves NYRB. More news.
Sebastien Le Toux returned to Philadelphia this week, and coincidentally his old coach went back to a familiar location as well.
Peter Nowak, formerly the head coach and team manager of the Philadelphia Union, was rumored to have wanted to head back to his native Poland, where the former Bundesliga and Major League Soccer star grew up.
The youth movement that began during the offseason leading into the 2012 Major League Soccer regular season has caught a slight snag, as Josue Martinez will reportedly depart for New York as part of the Sebastien Le Toux deal.
Philly Soccer Page tweeted that it had been told Martinez would be the player to be named in the Le Toux deal.
The Union now have their chance to bring back Danny Califf, if they want to. PSP previews the upcoming MLS Re-Entry Draft with a look at Califf and other intriguing players available.
Union director of international development says the focus is on finding "forwards"and that four players were interviewed during the recent scouting trip in Argentina. Garber on the Sate of MLS. More morning news.
If Peter Nowak is used as an example, one does not need to participate in failed hostile venture capitalism endeavors to rise out of failure.
The former Philadelphia Union head coach left Major League Soccer controversially after leading his third year club into ruin after a surprising run of form in 2011 that ended with a short playoff experience.
The Union's release of three players begins what baseball calls the "hot stove league," the series off-season moves each team undertakes to remake itself. PSP looks at the first moves, some potential new signings with Pennsylvania ties, and how a key league policy change could impact the Union.
Teams in Major League Soccer have consistently moved away from building through the annual league SuperDraft, but talented players still are acquired through the process.
For the Philadelphia Union, the 2013 MLS SuperDraft will be their first without a first round selection. It will also be the first SuperDraft without former head coach Peter Nowak.
Mike Lahoud didn't join the Union under the best circumstances, but he put that aside to become a major contributor and high character guy in the locker room. PSP has a season review.
Jack McInerney was the athlete guest on last night's edition of the Michael Barkann hosted "Philly Sports Talk," formerly "Daily News Live," on CSN Philly. Here are some of the quotes from his appearance on the show:
Barkann asks McInerney difference betwen current head coach John Hackworth and former head coach Peter Nowak.
John Hackworth must really enjoy having knowledgeable fans. The Philadelphia spent another day pursuing a new team mission operative of transparency and supporters of the club were aflutter on social networks at the substantial change in club policy.
Per Kerith Gabriel, in today's Daily Doop, the Union have "midfielders Nicolas Medina, Charles Renken and goalkeeper Tunde Ogunbiyi" on trial in camp this preseason.
Last year's record: 10 - 18 - 6 (eight out of 10 in the Eastern Conference, 16 out of 19 in Major League Soccer)
Key additions: Conor Casey, Sebastien Le Toux, Pat Anding
Key losses: Gabriel Gomez, Peter Nowak, Carlos Valdes
Projected starting lineup: (4-3-3 / 4-3-2-1) Zac MacMath / (r-l) Sheanon Williams, Jeff Parke, Bakary Soumare, Gabriel Farfan / Brian Carroll (CDM), Amobi Okugo, Michael Farfan / Le Toux, Jack McInerney / Casey - Bench: Chris Konopka (goalkeeper), Antoine Hoppenot, Roger Torres, Michael Lahoud, Raymon Gaddis, Chris Albright, Danny Cruz
Hackworth has more praise for Conor Casey. Soccer America rates Le Toux return and Parke signing in top five of offseason moves so far. Lots of Union players on SBI U-23 Team of the Year. More news.
West Chester United defeats United German Hungarians in the Eastern PA US Open Cup qualification final. More bits of Union, local, MLS, NWSL, US and other news.
In a surprising move, Kyle Nakazawa has retired at the relatively young age of 24.
The former Philadelphia Union midfielder has apparently left the world of professional soccer, according to Adam Serrano. The LA Galaxy insider tweeted that Bruce Arena, head coach of the defending Major League Soccer champions, informed Serrano of Nakazawa's decision.
Don Garber made the announcement official today at Livestrong Sporting Park. LSP will be hosting the 2013 MLS All Star Game. The game will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 airing on ESPN and Univision.
Like previous years, the host team's coach will coach the team, meaning Peter Vermes will be the coach (as long as he's not fired before the game like Peter Nowak last year).
