The Philadelphia Union blog

Philadelphia Union open tryouts

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:41:36 -0600

By now I am sure everyone has heard that the Philadelphia Union are in the process of holding open tryouts for aspiring players. They have featured some of the hopefuls on their official website and while the stories are nice and I wish these lads all the luck in the world, I would be blown away if any of them have what it takes to play for the Union or in the MLS.

I separate the Union and MLS for a reason. Peter Nowak seems to be the type of manager that has a predetermined notion of the kind of player he likes. I makes this conclusion based on his playing style and his prior management style. Those requirements scale down the potential players considerably.

I also believe that if any of the prospects were good enough to play for an MLS club then they would be attached to a club already and thus not available for a tryout. It should be worrying that these players are not affiliated already, whether it is in the USL or a small league overseas.

At the end of the day, I hope that the time and energy spent scouting the Vince Papale's of the world doesn't take away from the task at hand: identifying legitimate players around the world and in the US who are qualified and available to make the team.

On an unrelated note, the jersey design has been released and while it is thrilling to move another step closer to the team taking the field, I am not a huge fan. I think the dark blue is erm... too dark. I also think the block like stripe in the middle is distracting and I can't figure out how the sponsor will fit into the design. Just my opinion and by the way, it won't stop me from buying one.

Peace to all,

Charlie Davies - Where was US Soccer?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:40:34 -0500

First of all, we all should be sending support, thoughts, prayers, whatever you prefer, to Charlie Davies and the rest involved in the terrible accident early this morning. It is always sad when a young life, such as the young lady in the car, is ended too early. It sounds as if Davies is lucky to be alive and has a long road to recovery ahead.

Now, for some blame. What on earth is a player on the team doing out at 3 am on the day of a game? I would assume that there is a curfew for players the night before a game and that efforts are in place to ensure that the curfew is not violated. I recognize that Davies may not have been starting the game, but when you are part of a team and your team has curfew that exceptions are not made.

Perhaps I don't have the whole story and if I have it wrong I will stand corrected. But it seems to me that the people in charge of these players need to do a better job of keeping tabs on the players while on duty. I am hopeful that Davies can return but realistically I don't think you can count on him being fit for the WC. This is a shame for him, the team and the fans.

Get well soon.

Starting a team from scratch

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:43:16 -0500

In the question posed in the title line I am not referring to the daunting task facing Peter Nowak and Josh Gros in "finding" and deciding upon players they want to represent the first Union squad. Rather, I am referring to the daunting task that Rob Smith, a Union executive, has undertaken at Chester High School. It is surprising to learn that Chester High, which has a rich and storied athletics history, does not have a soccer team. There is no doubt that the City of Chester has talented athletes which is evidenced by the number of NBA and Division I basketball players who honed their skills in the gyms and on the playgrounds of the City where the Union will play.

There are all kinds of theories about why soccer has never thrived in many urban environments. I don't want to harp on them or debate them. What I want to focus on is the opportunity afforded Mr. Smith. From his resume he appears to be accomplished not only in business but also in teaching the beautiful game to children of many ages. He seems to be a perfect choice. So I ask, what does one do first? Where do you begin? How do you develop a high school program from scratch? To make it work, don't you also need to change the fact that likely nowhere in the City are there facilities for youths to play soccer the way they play basketball?

Here is what I think needs to be done:

1. I would go to the basketball coach and ask to meet his team. I would look for someone around say 6' 3" or 6'4" who can leap, has good hands and is quick on his feet. He would be my goalie.

2. I would attend the basketball tryouts and speak to every kid who doesn't make the team. See if they can kick a ball. Same for the football team and track squad.

3. I would then invest in street soccer courts in various neighborhoods then hold clinics and other instructional sessions through the various youth groups in the community. The children need to learn to play the game the way they learn to play basketball. By survival and instinct. Create a culture of soccer in the city through the presence of pick up games and other spontaneous activities.

4. I would then contact local youth clubs already in existence and try to filter some Chester kids into their instructional leagues and development programs. The Union can't do it on its own and with the partnership announced with EPYSA there should be plenty of resources to give these kids a chance to play.

5. Finally, make sure that at every home game there is an opportunity for children in Chester to see a match at either a reduced rate or as a part of a community service reward program.

These are just some of my rambling thoughts. I don't have any pie in the sky thoughts that Chester will start producing professionals as it has done in basketball, but it doesn't hurt to try. I wish Mr. Smith luck and hope that he has jumped into this opportunity with both feet and with a desire to bring the game to a community that has not had a chance to experience its joys.

I've been gone, but now I'm back.

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:47:34 -0500

I wasn't in jail or anything like that, just too busy to post a new entry. Frankly, there has been bugger all happening with the Union, just a lot of feel good stories and plans for a long-term future. These are all good things, but nobody scores goals.

I suppose the biggest news was that the home opener will be played at a scaled back Lincoln Financial Field. The home of the Eagles. I was surprised to hear quite a few groans about this and can't understand why. Sure it is disappointing that the stadium isn't going to be ready on time, but the weather here this summer was terrible for construction and the economy is a shambles. Hard to criticize the club for that. Complaining that the Linc is not a good place to have a game is not a valid criticism. It is a great place to see a match and the facilities are world class. There should be no complaints there either.

Most importantly, however, is that there should be zero complaints about a professional football team playing in Philadelphia, anywhere. They could hold their first match on a closed I-95 or under the bridge where the guys skateboard and I would be just as excited. To have a professional team that we can call our own is a feeling like no other. To find something negative in the fact that they have to play their opening game in a world class stadium is like losing one's virginity then complaining that it happened in the back seat of her car not yours.

Peace

Why?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:23:37 -0500

Why?

Why does the US do this to me? The same team that struggles at home to Honduras plays and inspired game and beats SPAIN. This is the like those teen movies where the geeky guy secretly loves the hot chick, but only manages to attract other geeky girls. Then he gets the hot chick and realizes that he isn't meant to have the hot chick and goes back to the geeky girl, because she makes him happier. The US should buck the trend and keep hanging with the hot chick. For the love of God don't go back to the geeky chick.

What a victory. What an effort. All those complaints about lack of heart and effort and poor decisions are now conveniently swept under the rug. Bradley's job is as safe as the inside of Queen Elizabeth's knickers. The team showed what they are capable of when they combine heart and effort with their athleticisim. They will always have to make up for the lack of technical skill with pure athletics and when they do, they are capable of such performances. Spain never got settled and although they possessed the ball in our half most of the game, the organization in the back was outstanding.

It was a pleasure to see real defenders playing defense. Each back positioned perfectly, read passes and closed down Torres and Villa effectively. The midfield did a nice job going forward and Donovan, Bradley and Clark's defensive contribution was tremendous. Altidore and Davies worked well together up front and I was glad to see both putting pressure on the backs. Feilhaber was a great choice and contributed each time he touched the ball. With the red to Bradley he will surely be starting in that spot. Not much drop off I say.

Now on to Dempsey. I give him credit for his goal and his contribution going forward. However, I screamed more than once at the tv as he stood still and didn't work backwards. He doesn't go back when there is danger. Fabregas was left alone more than once on Bocanegra's side creating a 2 on 1. All the while he is standing still waiting for the ball to come his way. Does anyone yell at him, do his coaches tell him he needs to play defense or did he miss that on his FIRST DAY OF PLAYING THE GAME. Really, come on.

Gladly my prediction was wrong and the US are in the finals. If you would have told me that after the Brazil game I would have asked for some of what you were smoking. No way anyone could have predicted this. Let's enjoy it and hell, maybe we can win this little tournament.

Til next time. Peace to all. Go Nats.

Bradley in self preservation mode

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:10:31 -0500

It's been difficult finding time to write new posts, what with hip surgery, work and the demands of being a father. I of course found time to watch games. The Confed. Cup has been interesting and to say I have been disappointed with the team would be an understatement. Let's get the positives out of the way. Onyewu, Demerit, Spector, Donovan, Bradley and to some extent Bornstein have been solid.

On the flip side there have been some real issues. Going into the last game we had more red cards than goals. Although Clark played well against Egypt his bonehead tackle and history of poor decisions mentally is a real question mark. Even if you don't agree with the referee on the call, a player at this level should know better than to make tackles that even give the referee something to think about. Klejstan capped off a poor game with a poor tackle and I wouldn't be disappointed if he never wore the Nats uniform again. He is nothing more than a good MLS player. Celtic got it right when they chose not to pursue him.

Dempsey. Well everyone knows how I feel about this guy. He is not particularly talented at any one thing. He doesn't shoot well, he isn't the kind of passer that wows you with a creative or incisive pass, doesn't make creative runs and he plays virtually no defense. He lacks heart and seems to have an aloof attitude on the pitch. I have mentioned it before, but his flicks and tricks when a simple play will do is enough to make me scream. Which brings me to the title of this blog. The decision to play him against Egypt and not bench him can only be interpreted as Bradley ensuring he doesn't lose his job. He had to know that if we didn't pick up any points in the CC his job would be in jeopardy. What he should have done is play guys who need to gain some experience playing in SA ahead of next year. Let's face it, the only purpose of this tournament is the invaluable experience the players get playing in SA before next year. When you leave a player like Freddy Adu on the bench and start Dempsey instead you have ignored the purpose of the tournament and robbed players like Adu of the opportunity to get some playing time. Bradley knew that other guys maybe lessen the chance of getting a result. He played Guzan and Davies you say in response. So what I say. Guzan is experienced and there is not a huge drop off in goal with Guzan instead of Howard. Davies essentially comes on for Beasley. Enough said. Dempsey had no business being rewarded with another start and despite the third goal he played poorly.

So the win is nice, don't get me wrong. I think it just glosses over the problems with the squad and mostly the coaching. Until their backs were against the wall no one performed. If a coach rewards poor play by more starts the player has no incentive to try harder. I truly believe Dempsey is the type of player who believes others will do the hard work and he will float around until he gets his chance. I am looking forward to the Gold Cup and have tickets for the quarterfinal double header in Philly. I hope some players like Stuart Holden and Kenny Cooper can give Bradley something to think about.

Thats it for now. Look forward to your thoughts. By the way, I predict the US scores first against Spain and eventually lose 3-1. I have no basis for this opinion other than it popped into my head. Now to pop a beer into my hand.

Peace to all of you.

Almost a 'Costly' mistake

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 09:13:00 -0500

I think the word I used yesterday to describe Clint Dempsey's flicks and stepovers when a simple pass will do was infuriating. Well after coming home from seeing Up with my wife and son, I was filled with the happiness only a Pixar movie and really good cheesesteak can provide (I know about the other happiness but this is a family blog). I made it home in time to for the start of the match. I got a beer and settled into my spot on the couch. With my dog contently chewing a bone and Mrs. Capp and Capp Jr. in the other room I was in a happy place. Then within about 5 minutes I turned into the incredible hulk courtesy of Mr. Dempsey. His ridiculous stepoverflickjumpturn nonsense IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PITCH went awry leading to Honduran possession and a well taken goal by someone named, you guessed it, Costly. This was more ominous that dropping a mirror underneath a ladder with a black cat pissing on your shoes. I was truly worried and began looking for a brick.

Fortunately, the rest of the lads performed well enough to reverse the error. Overall the 2-1 victory was deserved as I don't believe Honduras truly threatened the back four or Howard. It all seemed much more comfortable. There was also a legitimate shout for a penalty when Clark busted into the box and was rudely thumped to the ground. So, in balance a fair result despite some good play from Honduras.

The night was to get even better when Mexico lost to El Salvador. Truly shocking, however, I still don't see them failing to qualify. Three spaces plus the fourth play in is a lot from this region and there are still points for them to secure.

I noted yesterday that I wanted to see Spector and Bornstein in the back and Bradley must read my blog. For me Spector was one of the best players on the pitch and the fact that he plays defense weekly really showed through. My point yesterday was that there is a lot more to defending than athleticism. Reading the game, angles, team work, and knowing when to get forward make a true defender. The addition of Clark to the center was massive. I am confused about playing both Mastroeni and Clark at the start but Bradley got it right by bringing on Feilhaber at the half. He was excellent by the way. Have to believe Mastroeni's days should be over. He has lost a step already and in a years time will be even slower. I don't see him making the 2010 team so drop him now. So, three vital points at home, and an improved performance.

Onto the Confederations Cup and later the Gold Cup.

I am off to coach Capp Jr. today. If any of the youngsters try the stepoverflickturn nonsense it'll be the bench.

US v. Honduras preview and Costa Rica redux

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 07:22:44 -0500

I know this is supposed to be a blog about the Union, but it is quite sleepy so I wanted to reflect on the Nats. The loss to Costa Rica was one of the worst I have seen in quite some time. They looked like the teams from the early 90's. There was no imagination and most importantly no heart. The team lacks a leader. Someone that the other players look to when they are in a hostile environment and the opposition is taking the game to them. I also am concerned about Bob Bradley's team selection. It feels like Arena all over again. Remember W.C. 2006 when he played Eddie Lewis at left back against the Czechs? He was directly responsible for the first goal that opened the flood gates. On that play, after the corner kick he took off down the left flank and disregarded the player lurking deep in US territory. When Keller released the ball to Lewis it didn't reach him and the lurking player had an uncontested cross. Any natural outside defender would have thought about defending first.

The same can be said of playing Beasley at left back. He is not a natural defender and it showed. Playing defense requires thought and an understanding of positioning. If you haven't played there you simply can't step in and do a job because you are athletic and quick. Beasley hasn't played competitively since April for Rangers and when he was playing he was a left sided midfielder. Moreover, what does his selection mean to Bornstein. Bradley clearly thinks a player who has not played for two months and has no left back experience is a better choice than a guy who routinely plays at the position and is in good form. What a slap in the face. I also question the choice of Wynne over Spector. Spector didn't even make the bench. Again, Spector has been playing for West Ham at that position in arguably the best league in the world. I am not knocking MLS or Wynne but Spector is a better choice. Wynne was not particularly good and something needs to be done at these spots. Again, just because you are fast and athletic, you aren't necessarily going to be the best defender. Experience counts way too much.

So for tonight I think Honduras is in trouble. I think the US will be more hungry and playing in Chicago can not be underestimated. Bradley needs to go back to a 4-4-2. We don't have the talent to play a 4-3-3 and that formation allows Dempsey to be lazier than he typically is. For all the accolades he receives, Dempsey for me is overrated and plays with a casual nature that is infuriating. He plays no defense and puts little pressure on the opposition backs. His flicks and stepovers when a simple pass will do makes me want to throw a brick at the tv. I say Freddie Adu on the right.

Thats it for now, enjoy the game. I see a 2-0 victory for the Nats.

Well, here goes.....hopefully something.

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:56:27 -0500

This is the inaugural post to a blog focused on the Philadelphia Union. I was dismayed to find that Ole.Ole did not give the opportunity to choose the Union as one of my favorite teams. I know, they haven't started playing yet, but the stadium is being built and they have just named Peter Nowak as their first manager. And if you think it is too early to be talking about the Union, consider that the supporters club, Sons of Ben, have been in existence since January 2007. Before MLS awarded Philadelphia with a franchise.

For those of you reading this who are not familiar with MLS or the city of Phildelphia this blog may be a chance for you to expand your footballing horizons.

I intend this blog to be an opportunity to discuss the developments in the months ahead as the team forms. Once the season starts it will be a place to discuss performances on the pitch, trade and transfer speculation and happenings in MLS. I welcome comments and opinions from all fans of the beautiful game.