Growing with each game is exactly the case for young Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Sounders put four past FC Dallas

Source: FOX Sports

Seattle downs FC Dallas; Revolution beats Houston Dynamo

Union found a midfield spark in Kleberson

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

Since being acquired on loan from Esporte Clube Bahia, Kleberson has waited patiently.

The veteran Brazilian international has trained hard every single day while getting accustomed to his new Philadelphia Union teammates.

The wait was worth it.

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Match recap: McInerney goal, complete 90 minute effort fuels Union sweep of Chicago

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Match Day #12 Game Thread: Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire

Source: Brotherly Game by Justin F.

Game: Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire

Where: PPL Park, Chester, PA

When: 7:30 PM ET

Channel: The Comcast Network

Commentators: JP Dellacamera and Alejandro Moreno

Meet the Opposition: Hot Time In Old Town

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

Match preview: Getting back to winning ways against Chicago

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Remember when: There was a usual suspect on the Union's May slate of matches

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

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Scouting report: What to expect from Chicago in a rubber match at PPL Park

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Union hungry to equal road success at home starting this Saturday

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

The 2011 Philadelphia Union went to the playoffs because it was able to turn PPL Park into a "fortress".

That squad went 7-1-9 at home, losing just once in 17 regular season games. Opposing teams didn't leave Chester with three points.

Fast forward two years.

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Union hungry to equal road success at home starting this Saturday

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

The 2011 Philadelphia Union went to the playoffs because it was able to turn PPL Park into a "fortress".

That squad went 7-1-9 at home, losing just once in 17 regular season games. Opposing teams didn't leave Chester with three points.

Fast forward two years.

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Poetry Corner Kicks: 2-fer-1 special!

Source: Brotherly Game by stocktonryan

Just so everyone knows, I wrote the recap of the Fire game prior to Wednesday's game against the Galaxy being played. Against the Fire, Zac MacMath was the one on fire. It seemed that every time you turned around, he was there making another save. Jack McInerney got a decent shot off which ended up being the decider, which shot him to the top of the scoring charts in MLS. Against LA, MacMath still made some massive saves, but he also scored one for the opposition. But he wasn't the only one to blame for Wednesday's meltdown. Losing to the two-time defending champs, even at home,

Philadelphia Union kick off 2013 U.S. Open Cup campaign on May 28

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Philadelphia Union will begin their 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game on Tuesday, May 28 as the club will face the winner of a matchup between the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) or the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) in the third round of play.

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Match recap: Galaxy stars shine late to snap Union three-match unbeaten streak

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

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First Take: LA Galaxy Show Their Prowess In 4-1 Onslaught

Source: Brotherly Game by JakePavorsky

FIrst Half

In a press conference prior to Wednesday night's matchup, Philadelphia Union head coach harped on the fact that his team was not getting enough respect this season. With a solid performance against the MLS's best LA Galaxy, they had the chance to prove to the league that their strong early season start was no fluke.

But a poor start to the match up made the Union look like a team that deserved to be taken lightly. In the third minute, Los Angeles would score on a corner kick opportunity, as a Landon Donovan cross would hit

Match Day #11 Game Thread: Philadelphia Union Vs. LA Galaxy

Source: Brotherly Game by Justin F.

Game: Philadelphia Union vs. LA Galaxy

Where: PPL Park, Chester, PA

When: 7:30 PM ET

Channel: Comcast Sportsnet

Commentators: JP Dellacamera and Alejandro Moreno

Meet the Opposition: LAG Confidential

Philadelphia Union starting XI: (4-4-2) Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis,

Former Philadelphia Union Teammates React To Gabriel Farfan Trade

Source: Brotherly Game by JakePavorsky

For the Philadelphia Union, a trade had seemed inevitable for weeks. With Bakary Soumare unpleased about his role on the team, head coach John Hackworth had no issue helping the center back find a new home.

However, it would be Gabriel Farfan, and not Soumare to be the first player traded from the Union this season. In a press release today, Philadelphia announced that they have traded the 24 year-old to Chivas USA in return for

Defending MLS champs have taken notice to McInerney's prowess

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Match preview: Galaxy look to contain potent Union offense

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

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OFFICIAL: Gabriel Farfan Traded To Chivas USA

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

In what was a shocking move to most, based on immediate reaction on social media sites, the Philadelphia Union sent Gabriel Farfan to Chivas USA in a deal that netted a potentially high draft pick in 2014 and some cash.

The Union will receive Chivas USA's natural first round selection in the 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft and an undisclosed amount of allocation money. Due to team and league policies, the allocation money figure will not be released.

Chivas USA have struggled to find form this season, although they initially impressed at the beginning of the season under new

Philadelphia Union Trade Gabriel Farfan to Chivas USA

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

Midfielder sent west in exchange for allocation money and 2014 MLS SuperDraft natural first-round selection

 

Chester, Pa. (May 14, 2013) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has traded midfielder Gabriel Farfan to Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and a 2014 MLS SuperDraft natural first-round pick. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

 

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Scouting report: A breakdown of what to expect from the Los Angeles Galaxy

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

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Series history: A look at the all-time matchups between the Union and the Galaxy

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Like most Western Conference teams, the Los Angeles Galaxy doesn’t have a lot of history against the Philadelphia Union.

There have been only five total matchups between the two clubs, and the Union did not get its first win against the defending MLS Cup Champions until last year’s upset at the Home Depot Center.

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Philadelphia Union Pennsylvania License Plates Now Available for Purchase

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Philadelphia Union state-registered Pennsylvania license plates are now available for purchase, the club announced today. The Specialty Plates cost $50 each with proceeds benefitting the Philadelphia Union Foundation.

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Play-by-Play Plus: MacMath the difference in Chicago and look ahead to LA

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Zac MacMath's best game of the 2013 season could not have come at a better time. His six saves and overall command of goal was why the Philadelphia Union was able to leave Chicago with three points versus the Fire on Saturday.

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Fire "Outright Reject" New Bakary Soumare Trade Offer By The Union

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

Bakary Soumare will remain in Chester, for the time being, despite his continued desire to move on from the team, after the Chicago Fire rejected a second overture by the Philadelphia Union, the Red Priest Podcast revealed today.

After Saturday's 1-0 win away at Toyota Park, the Union approached the Fire once again about a deal that would have sent Soumare to his former club and ended a months long trade demand by the center back. Chicago

MacMath A Hero As Union Divide By Zero: Chicago Fire 0-1 Philadelphia Union

Source: Brotherly Game by Justin F.

Despite getting thoroughly outplayed by the Chicago Fire for almost the entire 90 minutes, the Philadelphia Union still somehow managed to pick up a 1-0 win on the road against thanks to a brilliant performance from Zac MacMath and a moment of magic from Sebastien Le Toux and Jack McInerney.

John Hackworth once again went with the ineffective midfield combination of Michael Farfan, Danny Cruz, Brian Carroll, and Keon Daniel and as a result, the Chicago Fire controlled most of the first half, taking advantage of the weak Union midfield. Once again ignoring Kleberson and Roger Torres, Hackworth went with a midfield that provided no-link up play with the strikers while also providing inadequate coverage defensively. It is

McInerney continues to provide "moments of brilliance" to the Union attack corps

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Match recap: Union die-hard attitude rewarded with three points in Chicago

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

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Match Day #10 Game Thread: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

Source: Brotherly Game by Justin F.

Game: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

Where: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL

When: 1:30 PM ET

Channel: NBCSN

Commentators: Arlo White and Kyle Martino

Meet the Opposition: Hot Time In Old Town

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

Three Questions With Hot Time In Old Town

Source: Brotherly Game by Justin F.

TBG: It's only two months into the season, but the Eastern Conference appears to be tiered with New York, Houston, Kansas City, and Montreal on top, Philadelphia and Columbus in the middle, and New England, Chicago, Toronto, and D.C. on the bottom. Do you believe the Fire can break through that bottom pack and contend for a playoff spot this year?

HTIOT: A month ago my outlook was a bit brighter than now. I haven't packed in 2013 by any means, but the positive run the Fire went on in April didn't continue in Montreal. We have a talented lineup on paper, but a mix of injuries, tactical mistakes, and player under-performance has hurt the team all year. The biggest issue has been struggling to score goals, as no

Match preview: Union look to keep the lid on the slow starting Chicago Fire

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Scouting report: A breakdown of what to expect from the Chicago Fire

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

Simply put, Chicago endured a brutal start to the 2013 season.

The campaign opened with a 4-0 loss in Los Angeles and a 1-0 home loss to New England.

Not the best way to get going.

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Remember when: A look back at some memorable May 11 moments

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

May 11.

It’s a date that holds a great amount of significance in the short history that is the Union.

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Poetry Corner Kicks: Sounders 2 - Union 2

Source: Brotherly Game by stocktonryan

One of the things I try to do with a poetry recap is to focus on one aspect of the game. Sure I’ll describe significant events from the match, but I also want to give the overall piece a flavor reminiscent of the game itself. But from the Union’s game against the Seattle Sounders this past weekend, which do you focus on - the poor officiating that had a hand in determining the game, or the plentiful goals? If you were an unbiased viewer, you might have thought that this was an entertaining game to watch. If you were a supporter of either team, you were probably pulling your hair out. As I had done once last season, I decided to go with limericks to represent both the entertaining aspect of the game and the somewhat

Injuries, suspensions pave way for new look lineup come Saturday against Chicago

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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What dimension does Danny Cruz bring to the Philadelphia Union lineup?

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

It’s alternative, appears quirky and isn’t always sexy.

But this season for the Union – it just works.

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Danny Cruz selected to EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 Ultimate Team of the Week

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

 Philadelphia Union midfielder Danny Cruz has been named to the EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 Ultimate Team of the Week, a group players throughout the world selected each week for their high level of play.

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Supporters group president steps down at the end of the year, calls time "a dynamic experience"

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Thousands of Philadelphia Union fans stood and cheered as Matt Ansbro’s name was announced prior to the game against Seattle on Saturday. The cheers were in acknowledgment of Ansbro’s efforts as the president of the Union’s distinguished supporters group, the Sons of Ben.

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Cashing in on chances created is paramount

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

Chances were there.

Opportunities to score goals in bunches were there.

The Philadelphia Union came away with a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday and saw their record even out at 3-3-3.

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Union launch successful opening of its 50/50 Raffle Saturday against the Sounders

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Philadelphia Union successfully launched the first-ever 50/50 Raffle at PPL Park during Saturday’s match against the Seattle Sounders, earning a total jackpot of $17,230. The earnings were split evenly between the Philadelphia Union Foundation and randomly-selected winner Aleksey Gorshenin of Lansdale, Pa., who was attending his first Union game at PPL Park

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Philadelphia Union to host second Union Day in Northeast Philadelphia

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

Philadelphia Union announced today that the club will host Union Day at Holy Family University and Nazareth Academy High School in Northeast Philadelphia on May 19 from 3:00-6:30 p.m., with free games, skills stations and coaching seminars hosted by Union players and technical staff available to members in attendance.

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Play-by-Play Plus: How the most entertaining game of year nearly ended in chaos

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

Saturday's match at PPL Park featured a little bit of everything…

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A look at the series history between the Union and Eastern Conference foe the Chicago Fire

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

 

You’ll always see an entertaining matchup when Philadelphia and Chicago get together.

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Sounders HC Sigi Schmid On Red Cards: "I Don’t Think We Can Argue Them Or Complain"

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

There was plenty of discussion over decisions made by head referee Jorge Gonzalez during the 2-2 tie between the Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders on Saturday, with both sides questioning major calls in the second half.

The biggest controversy was a missed call on a hand ball in the box by Sounders left back Leo Gonzalez in the closing minute, but there were also three red cards that Gonzalez handed out in the last ten minutes. Sounders head

McInerney Talks About Nowak, Hackworth, Teammates And Music On Philly Sports Talk

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

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. "He communicates better. Peter did his own thing," McInerney said.
McInerney on what he thinks is his best goal in Major League Soccer: "Last year's winner versus New

Philadelphia Union 2013 Player Salaries And Analysis

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

Name Position Base Salary Guaranteed Compensation Chris Albright CB $75,000 $75,000 Don Anding*& LB/LW $35,125 $35,125 Brian Carroll CDM $176,400 $176,400 Conor Casey ST $175,000 $175,000 Danny Cruz RM $120,000 $126,500 Keon Daniel CAM $80,004 $80,004 Gabriel

Philadelphia Union 2013 Player Salaries

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

Name Position Base Salary Guaranteed Compensation Chris Albright CB $75,000 $75,000 Don Anding* LB/LW $35,125 $35,125 Brian Carroll CDM $176,400 $176,400 Conor Casey ST $175,000 $175,000 Danny Cruz RM $120,000 $126,500 Keon Daniel CAM $80,004 $80,004

Changes along the Union defense are coming, but what's it going to look like?

Source: Philadelphia Union Official Site

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Guest Post: Thinking About That First Half Against Seattle

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

This article is a guest post written by @ThePhilaPanda.

It seemed as if head referee Jorge Gonzalez was composing music with his whistle throughout the final 10 minutes of the Philadelphia Union's and Seattle Sounders' afternoon match at PPL Park. However, when the Union needed him to blow it just one last time, Gonzalez was out of breath.

Can't blame this one on Gonzalez, though.

The Union tied the Sounders of 2-2 and gained a single point in the standings, yet it still felt like a loss.

From opening kickoff it appeared the Union came out flat. Weakside defenders were ball-watching, guys were piling up in the box instead of

HIGHLIGHTS: Philadelphia Union 2 - 2 Seattle Sounders

Source: Brotherly Game by Scott Kessler

A 2-2 tie had incredible bouts of excitement and disappointment for both the Union and Sounders at PPL Park on Saturday.