The Philadelphia Union have been busy in the last year as they attempt to bring in talent from around the world, with Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago as two key locations of interest for the team. According to a player agent, the Union have continued to look at Trinidad and Tobago for new players, despite the recent release of former backup and third string goalkeeper Thorne Holder, and the still unknown situation of Keon Daniel's work visa.

Heading into last night's matches, two of the six second round group winners were known. The two teams that needed only a point were playing on the road; while the pair that required a win to advance were playing at home. In the end, all of the group leaders won the points that they needed to settle the second round of World Cup qualifying with a match to spare.

By FRANCO PANIZO

The final round of matches in the second round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying might as well not be played, as all the teams to advance are now known.

The six teams to secure their passage into the third round of qualifying were finalized on Friday, with Canada being one of the teams to secure its passage.

Keon Daniel's tale of unfortunate events continued last night, as the Philadelphia Union player was substituted off in the 46th minute of Trinidad and Tobago's 4-0 win over Barbados.

The 25-year-old Daniel was unable to regain the form that he had found with the Union and carried over to the Trinidadian national team, before failing to impress in his start in Trinidad's 2-1 loss to Bermuda on October 7.

Ten years ago today on Oct. 7, 2001, the U.S. Men's National Team faced Jamaica on MatchDay 9 of final round qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Having lost three straight matches, the USA's place in Korea/Japan was by no means certain. In order to qualify that day and avoid a nail-biting finish, the U.

Reported by Adam Cann. Photo by Paul Rudderow.

PSP's preview of Saturday's Philadelphia Union v Portland Timbers also contained the news that Keon Daniel would be unavailable for that game.

The PSP has since learned that Daniel's unavailability stems from problems with the US Immigration Service.

*As regular readers of this blog learned here exclusively on Tuesday, Riverside Poly High product Sammy Ochoa has signed with MLS and Chivas USA is in pole position to sign him.

*Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall has been called up to the Trinidad & Tobago National Team for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Barbados and Bermuda.

All around the globe, soccer clubs are nearing the end of their pre-season and looking towards the 2011-2012 campaign. Trinidad's 1st division club, T&T Highlanders FC is no different. We profiled them earlier this year in an installment of the Eat Soccer News Page. This is the first year for the T&T Highlanders, and we caught up with their owner, James Baird to find out more about their 3 ingredients for success this season.

Saturday's final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona has a number of storylines. For those in the CONCACAF region one storyline that sticks out is the inclusion and impact that Mexican sensation Chicharito can make on Saturday's championship.

While the Mexican's ascent into stardom will receive a boost from winning the finale Saturday he's not the first player from the CONCACAF region to play in the final.