The beginning of any season poses questions. In the case of the Union, the talk is centered on two things: the surprising exit of Sebastian Le Toux and the younger-by-the-minute makeup of the team. Moves have been made and a process has been set in motion. But what many see as a terrible weakness might wind up being our greatest asset. Even with all the talk of the Union’s youth movement, I still don’t think…
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It’s that time of year again, Union fans.  As of now, our controversial roster is pretty much what it’s gonna be.  Following an offseason of unusual turnover, heart-rending surprises, vicious debate, and a deluge of tweets fit for no man’s daughters, we’ve got ourselves a team.  For better or worse, Union 3.0 has arrived. Now we’ve gotta figure out what to do with it.  Undoubtedly, Nowak & Co. are huddling in one of their favorite undisclosed locations, poring over…
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As I laid abed recently, weary from the day’s blogging, I heard a voice. Since I’d taken all my medications (and a few other people’s too, for good measure), I figured it had to be an external one. I could only assume it was my dearest wife, with whom I share a bed, a life, and an incorrigible devotion to the Philadelphia Union.  Having recognized her voice, I immediately went through my usual mental checklist of…
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This Saturday, the Union should focus on one thing and one thing only: momentum.  That’s the name of the game.  Our squad is coming off of a hard fought tie against a tough FC Dallas team and needs to build on that momentum.  If I were in Coach Nowak’s shoes this week, I would be sticking to the momentum narrative and keep my team focused on playing hard. If this team is able to put together a full…
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My main man Mwanga smashed, and I mean smashed, the equalizer in with almost the last kick of the game.  If he had not, it would have been another sickening defeat.  Once again the Union outplayed their opponent, but this week they actually have something to show for it: a precious point. Wins are better than draws, but this draw felt like a win.  The Eastern Conference of MLS is very tight.  A single point may not seem like…
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Let’s take a moment to appreciate the bright side of Saturday’s shock-to-no-one loss to the LA Galaxy.  You may have sworn that if you hear one more writer praise the Union’s “resolve” after another loss, you’re gonna punch the nearest Girl Scout.  But the resolve in this case actually led to something both impressive and more substantive: an important goal. What makes our lone goal so special is twofold.  First, it was a goal against LA.  They don’t happen…
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If there is one positive thing we can take from Saturday’s loss, it’s that at least the Galaxy did not lure us into thinking, even for a moment, that the Union had a shot.  On the contrary, the Galaxy dominated every aspect of this game from start to finish.  It only took 53 seconds for all pre-game hopes to be dashed and reality to set in. The game’s first goal came off an assist from…
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Philadelphia Union @ LA Galaxy 10:30 pm Home Depot Center – Carson, California The LA Galaxy are the best team in the MLS right now, and the stats back that up.  The Galaxy have given up the fewest amount of goals per game.  They are conceding at a rate of less than one goal per game (0.20 goals per).  LA also has THE in form striker of the league in Edson Buddle. While Buddle may be getting…
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Three Rules All Self Respecting Men Should Follow Your drink order should never exceed 2 ingredients (unless on vacation-in that case drink all the bay breezes your heart desires) You should never order a steak well-done  (manliness is inversely related to how cooked your steak is) Do not speak in pseudo-manly clichés I put number three on there specifically for our esteemed Coach.  Is anyone else out there getting slightly tired of his ultra macho…
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Here’s a story I love.  A buddy of mine was one of the 14 away fans at the NY game last night; he called me up this morning with some breaking news.   According to him, in a move more prevalent in youth soccer than the professional ranks, Coach Nowak decided to make the Union players run Argentine Box Sprints after the game, publicly humiliating the players.  When asked about the sprints after the game, Nowak said: “If you don’t…
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