For Eskandarian, reunion with Nowak blast from the past Duo helped DC win MLS Cup in 2004, now together in Philadelphia Eskandarian is certainly thrilled to be striving for a championship with an organization he calls “first-class.” One of his primary responsibilities as youth director, he said, will be overseeing the Union’s U-16 and U-18 academy teams and providing a bridge to the first team for the top players in the system. Already, he’s been shuttling back and forth from PPL Park to the academy facilities at YSC Sports, and enjoying every minute of it. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/06/29/eskandarian-reunion-nowak-blast-past
BREAKING: Carlos Ruiz on his way out of Philadelphia After 2-1 loss to Rapids, Union manager Nowak reveals striker will soon depart CHESTER, Pa. — After Roger Torres scored a stoppage-time goal in the Philadelphia Union’s 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids on Friday, the midfielder extended his hand above his head to look like a fish fin, mimicking Carlos’s Ruiz goal-scoring celebration. It turned out to be a farewell tribute to Ruiz http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/29/carlos-ruiz-his-way-out-philadelphia
Freddy Adu to return to MLS, join Philadelphia Union U.S. national team forward Freddy Adu is returning to America to play in MLS. Adu, 22, agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Union on Thursday afternoon, team sources confirmed to Sporting News. He will be introduced to Union fans on Friday in a press conference at PPL Park. Freddy Adu is headed to an MLS contender. (AP Photo) Chivas USA had the first shot at Adu, having the top spot in MLS' allocation order for returning national team players, but his salary exceeded the club's budget, according to The Washington Post. Philadelphia was second on the allocation order and quickly reached a deal for Adu. Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/...-to-mls-join-philadelphia-union#ixzz1UkwpCimw
Much Adu In Philly It's official: Freddy Adu reunites with Nowak and joins the Union CHESTER, Pa. – It’s official: Freddy Adu is returning to the league where his career began and reuniting with his first professional coach. On Friday morning, the Philadelphia Union announced the blockbuster signing of the 22-year-old Adu, who will join the Union on a free transfer from Portuguese giants Benfica. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the club confirmed that Adu will not be a Designated Player. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/12/freddy-adu-returns-mls-joins-philadelphia-union
Happiness is a warm reception in Philadelphia for Adu Young US attacker puts on solid showing in debut with Union CHESTER, Pa. – In his first MLS game since 2007, Freddy Adu didn’t score a goal, notch an assist or do anything jaw-dropping. But for a 22-year-old who’s been through so much on and off the field, Saturday’s game at PPL Park still marked a near-perfect Philadelphia Union debut. “There’s nothing better,” Adu said following Philly’s 2-2 draw with FC Dallas, “than being a professional athlete in America, man.” Watch Full Match Highlights: http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18203 http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/14/happiness-warm-reception-philadelphia-adu
Philadelphia Union host first-ever Supporters Summit Fans meet Union management, players and Commissioner Garber CHESTER, Pa. — Just like many other nights, Philadelphia Union supporters made their voices heard from their seats at PPL Park on Wednesday. Only this time they had a microphone — and were slightly more polite. In what they hope will become an annual occurrence, the Union hosted their first “Supporters Summit,” an event designed to give fans the chance to ask players, club officials and even MLS Commissioner Don Garber a variety of questions relating to the team and the league. For Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz — who, along with Garber, manager Peter Nowak, striker Sébastien Le Toux and goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón, fielded questions from more than 200 supporters from Philly’s home stadium on Wednesday — the summit represents an important part of the club’s core mission http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...lphia-union-host-first-ever-supporters-summit
Englishman Tait joins defensive ranks with Philadelphia Journeyman center back has worked his way up from NAIA ranks CHESTER, Pa. – When things weren’t working out in his soccer career the way he had hoped, Joe Tait did something about it: He packed his bags, left his native England behind and started fresh in the United States. Now, after short stints with Lindsey Wilson College, the Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL Premier Development League and the Dayton Dutch Lions of the USL Professional Division, Tait has made it to this country’s top-tier league. After three weeks on trial, the 21-year-old defender officially signed with the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday. “I sort of had a bad experience in England,” Tait told MLSsoccer.com a day after being signed. “It didn’t really work out for me. I got an opportunity to come to college here so I thought I’d give it a go. I decided to give it another chance.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/09/14/englishman-tait-joins-defensive-ranks-union
Union move closer to playoff berth with "huge win" in Seattle Union set up chance to punch playoff ticket at home vs. Toronto “In the first half we couldn’t figure out a way to break them down in the final third,” said manager Peter Nowak. “I think we made a couple of adjustments at halftime and it worked out well. We tried to push the game from the outside.” Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll tallied for the Union in a dominant second half effort, while rookie goalkeeper Zac MacMath earned his third shutout in seven starts. With Faryd Mondragon injured, Philadelphia have remained unbeaten with MacMath starting in net (3-0-4). http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/10/union-move-closer-playoff-berth-huge-win-seattle
Union unveil new 2012 primary and secondary kits Secure your 2012 primary and secondary kits today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQiXRXk_rH0&feature=player_embedded
Union claim midfielder Khalfan in MLS Waiver Draft MF joins Philadelphia from Vancouver; Holder, González waived Chester, Pa. (November 23, 2011) – Philadelphia Union announced the club has selected Nizar Khalfan in the MLS Waiver Draft after Vancouver Whitecaps FC released him earlier today. Additionally, the Union have waived goalkeeper Thorne Holder and defender Juan Diego González. A native of Mtwara, Tanzania, Khalfan appeared in 22 regular season matches in 2011, including nine starts. In 1,066 minutes, the 23-year-old notched a goal and four assists. The midfielder joined Vancouver midway through the 2009 USL First Division season, playing a total 58 games and 3,029 minutes with the Canadian side. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/11/union-claim-midfielder-khalfan-mls-waiver-draft
Union, Lions to play pre-season match February 18 Second annual match, presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA, to be played at Florida Citrus Bowl Chester, Pa. (December 9, 2011) - Philadelphia Union and Orlando City Lions today announced the sides will be matching up against each other in their second annual preseason game on February 18, 2012. As part of Philadelphia’s first leg of the 2012 preseason camp, presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA, the match will take place at the Florida Citrus Bowl a year after the Union played the Lions to a 1-0 loss on February 19, 2011. “Last year's preseason in Orlando provided an excellent experience,” said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “Our work there gave us a good foundation for preparing the team, and we look forward to going back to Orlando for a second year to prepare for the 2012 season. Orlando City continues to run a first-rate operation with which we are proud to partner.” http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/12/union-lions-play-pre-season-match-february-18 ARE THE LIONS THE 20th MLS TEAM?
McLaughlin living the dream as Union's newest player 18-year-old attacker becomes club's second Home Grown signing Last week, during a quick break from finals cramming, Colgate University freshman Jimmy McLaughlin talked about what it would mean for him to play professionally for his hometown team. “It definitely is my dream,” he told MLSsoccer.com. A week later, that dream has been realized. On Monday, the Philadelphia Union announced the signing of McLaughlin, who just wrapped up his first season at Colgate and had been a prized piece in Philly’s academy system. McLaughlin – who starred at nearby Great Valley High School and with nearly club powerhouse FC Delco – will be the franchise’s second Home Grown signing, following in the footsteps of his good friend Zach Pfeffer. Union fans got a glimpse of what the 18-year-old can do in international friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid over the summer. Unfazed by the world-renowned players on the other side of the pitch, McLaughlin showed his blazing speed and attacking fearlessness on the wing after coming in as a late substitution http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/12/mclaughlin-living-dream-unions-newest-player
Costa Rican defender Lopez acquired by Union Lopez joins club after back-to-back Costa Rican titles http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/12/costa-rican-defender-porfirio-lopez-acquired-union Union acquire Panamanian midfielder Gomez Central midfielder led Panama to 2011 Gold Cup semifinals http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/12/union-acquire-panamanian-gomez
Adu to train with Rayo Vallecano of Spain's La Liga Philadelphia star set to spend one week with Keller's onetime club AMSTERDAM — Philadelphia Union playmaker Freddy Adu will begin a week-long visit to La Liga outit Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, MLSsoccer.com has confirmed. The US international's agent, Richard Motzkin, confirmed the details on Tuesday. Adu was originally scheduled to make the trip over in mid-December, but a call-up to the recent Olympic camp in Florida delayed his plans. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/28/adu-train-rayo-vallecano-spains-la-liga
PPL Park to host 2012 MLS All-Star Game Philadelphia awarded first ASG in decade; opponent still unknown For the first time in a decade, Philadelphia will host an All-Star Game. Major League Soccer announced on Tuesday that Philadelphia will be the stage for the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 25 at 8 pm ET, bringing the summer’s showcase event to PPL Park, where the Sons of Ben will welcome a yet unnamed opponent to take on the best MLS has to offer. In the most recent edition held in 2011, Manchester United took on the MLS All-Stars at Red Bull Arena. The 2012 event will be broadcast on ESPN2, Galavision or TeleFutura and TSN and RDS, while ESPN International will provide live coverage of the event in more than 100 countries around the world and ESPN3 and WatchESPN carry the game online in the United States. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/01/24/ppl-park-host-2012-mls-all-star-game
Union to hold open training at YSC Sports, play three exhibition matches in Florida Fans invited to training session at YSC Sports on February 1 The Union will hold an open training session on Wednesday, February 1, at YSC Sports in Wayne, Pa. Fans are invited to attend the open training session free of charge from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will not be autograph opportunities at the open training session. Video and flash photography are not permitted. Following a week of training at YSC Sports from January 30-February 3, the Union will depart for Orlando on February 5. The club will train and play three exhibition matches in Florida before returning to Philadelphia on February 19. Florida exhibition schedule Union vs. Florida Gulf Coast University – February 11, 2:00 p.m. – Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex (Deltona, Fl.) Union vs. University of Central Florida – February 15, 1:00 p.m. – Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex (Deltona, Fl.) Union vs. Orlando City – Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. – Florida Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fl.) http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/ne...-sports-play-three-exhibition-matches-florida
Union and Saprissa to Partner Clubs to play friendly, share player development best practices Chester, Pa. (January 27, 2012) – Philadelphia Union and Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa today announced the formation of a strategic partnership that will focus on player development and training methodology, as well as best practices in commercial, stadium and financial operations. "Saprissa is one of the most successful clubs in our part of the world,” said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “They have won at every level of club competition, developed some big stars, some of which had storied careers abroad and have fueled the national team with many players such as Josué Martinez, who is now a Philadelphia Union player. They have world-class ownership that truly understands the current international football scene and are aligned with our technical and business philosophies. We are delighted and looking forward to our new partnership.” http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/union-form-strategic-partnership-deportivo-saprissa
Union, Orlando City draw 1-1 in Florida finale Califf nets first half goal, Orlando equalizes in 93rd minute Orlando, Fla. (February 18, 2012) - A late stoppage time goal by Orlando City’s Max Griffin erased a 1-0 Philadelphia Union lead, as the Union played Orlando to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl. Defender Danny Califf headed in a free kick off a cross from Gabriel Gomez in the 27th minute to open the scoring. VID: http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/02/19/preseason-highlights-orl-1-1-phi Orlando nearly got on the board in the fifth minute when a miscue by the Union defense allowed Dennis Chin to take the game’s first shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath was able to deflect the attempt away with his left hand. The Union quickly answered just five minutes later, but Jack McInerney’s chip shot sailed over the crossbar. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/02/recap-union-orlando-city-draw-1-1-florida-finale
Union head further south for third phase of 2012 preseason Philadelphia depart for Costa Rica Thurs.; three scrimmages on tap The Union will play a scrimmage against league-leading Municipal Perez Zeledon on February 26. The squad will then play the U-20 Costa Rican National Team on February 28, before wrapping up with a game against fifth-place Belen on March 1. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/02/union-head-further-south-third-phase-2012-preseason
Union sign goalkeeper Chris Konopka Toms River, N.J. native spent three seasons playing in Ireland Name: Chris Konopka Pronunciation: Chris Kon-op-ka Number: 1 Position: Goalkeeper Height: 6-5 Weight: 210 Born: April 14, 1985 Birthplace: Toms River, N.J. Citizenship: USA Last Club: MLS Pool Goalkeeper Philadelphia Union have signed goalkeeper Chris Konopka, the club announced today. A native of Toms River, N.J., Konopka was originally drafted by Kansas City in the 2007 Supplemental Draft and was most recently a member of the MLS Goalkeeper Pool. Per club and League policies, the terms of the deal will not be released. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtyzy1xVBg Called into service by the New York Red Bulls last season, Konopka started against the Chicago Fire on August 14 and posted two saves in a 2-2 draw. He also spent time with the Columbus Crew, playing the second half of the Crew’s July 26 friendly against Newcastle United. Konopka was also a member of the Crew’s roster for games against Salt Lake, Toronto, Houston and Philadelphia. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/03/union-sign-goalkeeper-chris-konopka
