Monday Afternoon Union Freekicks: It's August

Will someone please tell me how that happened? I'm pretty sure Danny Califf's fifth-minute goal in Houston was like last week...but apparently it was some five and a half months ago. Time flies when you're having fun/winning, I guess? Today's open discussion thread for all things Union and MLS.

Union not done shopping Ruiz [Philadelphia Inquirer Sports] - The Inquirer cites a source that the sale of Ruiz's rights is "part of multiple moves" the team is "about to make". There's still two weeks left in this transfer window, but one would wonder if the Union are trying to expedite anything so they're not shorthanded on Wednesday.

With Thin Squad, Union Fans Hoping For Upgrades [Earl Reed, Major League Soccer Talk] - That's for sure. Hans Backe may only use sixteen players or so, but at least he has more on his roster available to him.

Red Bulls Score One for M.L.S. [Andrew Das, nytimes.com] - Say what you want about not wanting to see the Red Bulls win, but anytime an MLS team wins something -- no matter how insignificant -- it's a good thing.

Vero's goal sparks Independence past Beat [Bill Iezzi, Philadelphia Inquirer] - Their win guarantees them a home playoff match, which will take place at PPL Park. Speaking of which...

More on the Independence playing at PPL Park [Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com] - Great stuff from Tannenwald, who spoke to Independence coach Paul Riley and owner David Halstead (who were with some of the Independence players at the Union's match last Friday) about their upcoming playoff match, as well as the domestic women's game in general.

Major League Soccer Week 20: What We Learned [Drew Epperley, SBNation.com] - What is it about Sporting KC and late, dramatic comebacks?