The Philly Soccer Page " Season Review: Kyle Nakazawa
At the end of the 2010 season, the jury was still out on Kyle Nakazawa. Public opinion was split nearly 50/50 about his prospects with the Union.

Beckham in a Phils Hat? " Broad Street Hooligans

This obviously won’t blow up the way Plaxico did, which is good, but nobody really knows where he’s going. The Union did have a lot of trouble on set pieces though.

WPS Under a Cloud " Union City Blue

Women’s Professional Soccer is awaiting a decision from the US Soccer Federation regarding its future as a USSF sanctioned league. WPS now consists of five teams after the league terminated its relationship with magicJack and its controversial owner Dan Borislow. Borislow is currently engaged in litigation with WPS.

The Philly Soccer Page " Season review: Gabriel Farfan

Gabriel Farfan was the "get one (almost) free" part that came after "buy one," and he turned out to be quite a steal for Philadelphia Union.

Sacramento and MLS? I'll Pass | WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog

Maybe if all the good potential MLS cities had clubs already and the league was thinking of expanding because someone had loads of money and a stadium already built there then I would listen. But for now, I’ll pass

Colgate Athletics - McLaughlin Signs With Philadelphia Union

HAMILTON, N.Y. (12/12/11) – Colgate men's soccer freshman Jimmy McLaughlin has signed with Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union today.

McLaughlin living the dream as Union's newest player | Philadelphia Union

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.

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The Philly Soccer Page " Lineup breakdown: Union mid vs Dynamo mid
Our break down of the Philadelphia Union/Houston Dynamo playoff matchup continues. PSP’s roving correspondent Adam Cann lays out the big questions and Eli Pearlman-Storch answers them. Today’s topic, the Dynamo midfield versus the Union midfield.

Union can expect Philadelphia passion in playoffs | Reuters

All Philadelphia's major league teams enjoy large and famously demanding support, and the Union has needed little time to establish itself on the regional sports scene -- thanks to smart management and the passion of the 'Sons of Ben' supporters group.

Union pumped for playoff matchup with Dynamo | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/28/2011

It took less than 5 minutes for the Union to get off to the perfect start.

The Philly Soccer Page " PSP talks to Dynamo M/D Geoff Cameron

Cameron talked to PSP about the theory that Houston plays a simple crossing game, handling Sebastien Le Toux, defensive communication, and the atmosphere he expects at PPL Park on Sunday. But he started off by talking about how you handle a two-match playoff when you start on the road.

Union, Dynamo coming from different directions in MLS Cup playoffs | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/28/2011

There are different theories on whether it means very much to have momentum going into the MLS Cup playoffs, but at least in the Union's case we're about to find out.

The Philly Soccer Page " Flashback: Philly in the 1973 NASL playoffs

Some 38 years ago, a Philadelphia soccer team took the American soccer scene by storm.

Philadelphia Union's Freddy Adu ready for playoffs | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/27/2011

He has not quite burst onto his latest scene, but Union forward-midfielder Freddy Adu remains among the team's more intriguing figures as it prepares for its first MLS Cup playoff appearance with Sunday's 5 p.m. matchup at PPL Park against the Houston Dynamo.

For Union, many reasons to celebrate already | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz and other members of the club’s front office enjoy a tradition where, every time a milestone is hit, they meet at midfield at PPL Park and toast a glass of champagne.

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The Philly Soccer Page " The Camden Youth Soccer Club
BE: We have been in touch with the Union several times, but not yet the Independence (next on my to-do list). In the past, we have had some footballs donated to us from the Union, and Shea Salinas visited us last year. Wee actually had Roger Torres come out on Saturday to visit, and just go around talking to the kids, and then sign autographs at the end. While we aren’t able to go into a partnership with them, it is great that the Union actually care about local youth soccer in terms of coming out on visits.

What a week! | Union Dues

I was looking for a snappy "soccer" title to "kick" this off, like "Inside the Box" or "Sidelines". Until I realized that UnionDues is about real honest opinions, and gimmicky titles mean little. So calling it anything is just pretentious, I will just get "Stuck In", sorry.

Where Will the Goals Come From? " Unholy Union – The fan blog for Phi. Union

If that seems like a redundant question about Union, it’s because it is.  Sebastien Le Toux has been in stellar form the last third of the season.  However, he is the only Union player in attack that can make that claim.  The addition of Freddy Adu has done little to make this a more dangerous team.  So, if Houston only has Le Toux to worry about, and focus their defense on him, how the hell are Union going to score? (insert @FakePeterNowak witticism here)

The Philly Soccer Page " Union v Dynamo: a statistical context

Ah, the playoffs. They are finally here.

Digging up the roots of the Union’s run to the playoffs | The Goalkeeper | 10/26/2011

When the Philadelphia Union signed Freddy Adu during the summer, it stirred a lot of memories among observers of Adu's previous years spent under Peter Nowak's tutelage.

The Philly Soccer Page " Lineup breakdown: Between the pipes

PSP’s roving correspondent Adam Cann lays out the big questions and Eli Pearlman-Storch answers them. First up, we compare the goalkeeping of the second and third best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Califf leads Union into 'emotional' playoff matchup | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. -- Throughout the long and tedious 34-game regular season, the Union have relied heavily on the consistent and reliable play of veteran center back Danny Califf, who helped guide the young back line to success.

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Union opens playoffs against Houston | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/24/2011

The Union will host the Houston Dynamo on Sunday in its first-ever Major League Soccer playoff appearance.  

The Philly Soccer Page " Player ratings and analysis: Red Bulls 1-0 Union

It was an embarrassing loss. One embarrassing loss. Of course the timing was terrible and everyone, players, coaches and fans, would have preferred a different result and performance, but in the end it was one game. Against a team that at its best, which it was on Thursday night, is one of the most dangerous in MLS. 

Union to face Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup Playoffs | The Goalkeeper | 10/23/2011

According to a release from the Union, the game will kick off at 4 p.m. and be televised on ESPN2, ESPN3.com and ESPN Deportes. The return leg in Houston will be played on Thursday, November 3 at 8:30 p.m. It will also be broadcast on ESPN2, ESPN3.com and ESPN Deportes.

Union to host Dynamo in first leg of conference semifinal Sunday, October 30, 4 p.m. | Philadelphia Union

Chester, Pa. (October 23, 2011) – After finishing the regular season in third place in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia Union will host their first-ever MLS Cup playoff game against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, October 30 at PPL Park. Kickoff is tentatively set for 4:00 p.m. EST (subject to change).  

Union to face Houston in MLS Cup playoffs after Dynamo win over L.A. Galaxy | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/24/2011
The Union opened their second Major League Soccer season by playing Houston in March, and they will begin their first MLS Cup playoff run on Sunday against the Dynamo.

The Philly Soccer Page " Match Report: Union 0-1 Red Bulls
While that tally was enough to earn all three points, New York squandered a number of gilt-edged chances to put themselves out of reach, allowing the Union to stay in the match.

Well Then,…..That Was…..Yeah…..Not Good… " Unholy Union – The fan blog for Phi. Union

Last night’s match against New Jersey Pink Cows was an exercise in….I’m not exactly sure what.  It was frustrating, that’s for sure.

The Philly Soccer Page " Union at NY by the numbers

It was as poor a performance as we’ve seen from the Philadelphia Union this season against a New York team that, with rare exceptions, did not look at all good.

Union Not Wild About Loss To NY | SportsInq | 10/20/2011

HARRISON, NJ -- One team played like it needed a win, while the other played like, well it didn’t.

Stumbling Union select difficult playoff road

HARRISON, N.J. -- To say the Union limped into the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs wouldn’t be accurate. After stumbling over a curious late-season tie to Toronto FC and stunning 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Thursday, the Union fell backwards into it.

Union's playoff seed in doubt after 1-0 loss at New York | The Goalkeeper | 10/20/2011

HARRISON, N.J. – Although the Union are guaranteed a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, their seed and the date of their first playoff game are very much up in the air after an ugly 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena.

Nowak: ‘I think the team needs to take charge right now’ | The Goalkeeper | 10/21/2011

NEW YORK – Here’s a transcript of Union manager Peter Nowak’s postgame press conference, plus some selected quotes from Red Bulls manager Hans Backe.

Union fall to Red Bulls, 1-0, on own goal | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/21/2011

The New York Red Bulls, needing a win or draw to clinch a Major League Soccer playoff berth, defeated the Union, 1-0, on an own goal off keeper Faryd Mondragon in Thursday's regular-season finale for both teams in front of 25,044 at a sold-out Red Bull Arena.

Union falls, 1-0, to New York Red Bulls | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/21/2011

HARRISON, N.J. - The Union better hope the adage "defense wins championships" holds weight, because its offense still has many holes to fill as its quest for the MLS Cup gets under way next week.

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The Philly Soccer Page " Match preview: Union at Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls need to win on Thursday. They need it really bad. 

New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union Preview - Once A Metro

Today is very much the day. The New York Red Bulls play the evil Philadelphia Union tonight at Red Bull Arena in a match that could well decide whether we see any more Red Bulls football in 2011. As I'm writing this, Portland and the swamp denizens of DC United have just tied a crazy game 1-1, which means that the Red Bulls can win or draw tonight in order to secure a playoff spot.

 Philadelphia Union claim playoff spot by extending unbeaten run to eight matches - pressofAtlanticCity.com: Soccer Blog

You know how some say we all have a so-called body double ... a kindred spirit, if you will ... somewhere in the world? I think I know who Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak's might be. Alan Pardew is the manager of Newcastle, the underdog side currently sitting in fourth place in the English Premier League. In many ways (both good and bad) Pardew conducts his soccer affairs just like Nowak does.

Season Closer – and more | Union Dues

Well, the final regular season home match at PPL has come and gone. Toronto defended while the Union stormed the beaches, and it was all for naught, well, almost naught. Our Captain returns from injury and Nowak has obviously picked the crew to make a run into the playoffs.

Season finale carries weight for Union, Red Bulls | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. -- It’s down to one.

Union motivated to win East | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/20/2011

THE ODDS ARE really stacked in Union boss Peter Nowak's favor.

A playoff-like test for Union in regular-season finale | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/20/2011

It was an interesting revelation by Union team manager Peter Nowak. After Saturday's 1-1 draw with Toronto, which clinched a Major League Soccer playoff berth for the Union, Nowak talked about how difficult it is to play for him.

Union: Relaxing on national TV not a Bullish strategy - delcotimes.com

"It’s a Thursday game on ESPN," said Le Toux, the Union’s leading scorer. "Our goal here is to do a good game, to play well and to show we are first and we deserve it. It’s great for us to stay focused and not just have a game to play for fun and continue to work."

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Houston's Brad Davis emerges as MVP front-runner - SOCCER - Sporting News
Sébastien Le Toux, Philadelphia Union Pro: He has 11 goals and nine assists for the Union, who could finish first in the Eastern Conference in only their second season. Only De Rosario has more goals and assists combined. Con: One week into August, Le Toux had scored just one goal. Perhaps the recent production is too little, too late.

The Philly Soccer Page " Drawing: an overview

More than that, though, there have just been too many draws this season.

Poll Results – Who Gets A Raise | Union Dues
So which players do you, the smartest readers in the Unionverse, think deserve a raise? The question was very simple, and the answers were overwhelming.  

The Philly Soccer Page " This is how real rivalries are made

One game. Everything on the line.

The coming of age for Union's Freddy Adu | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/16/2011
Long, but great piece by Jonathan Smallwood for Sportsweek.

10 moments that led to Union's playoff berth | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. – Coming into the 2011 Major League Soccer season, Philadelphia Union players and coaches set the goal of making the playoffs with defender Danny Califf even saying that "everyone would be shattered" if the club failed to get there.

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The Philly Soccer Page " Player Ratings and Analysis: Union 1-1 Toronto FC
With nothing left to play for in the 2011 MLS season, Toronto represented a fairly unpredictable opponent. Aron Winter could have used Saturday’s match at PPL Park to continue the development of his new system and go for broke, attempting to play spoiler and steal a road victory. Or, he could have put out a starting XI designed to sweat out a tough road draw.

Expansion Possibilities | Union Dues

Today, Don Garber stated that, "if we can build a stadium, we’re going to have a 20th team in New York City." Garber has also stated that he wants a team in the South. But Garber said he will stop the expansion process temporarily as soon as the 20th team enters the league, you can see the dilemma.

The Philly Soccer Page " Match Report: Union 1-1 Toronto FC

Sebastien Le Toux’s first half strike was not enough to see the Philadelphia Union through to victory in their final home game of the regular season as Toronto FC’s Ryan Johnson ruined the party for the hosts with a 57th minute equalizer. While the Union’s unbeaten streak now stands at eight games, the draw will be seen as a disappointment for the Union.

Mondragon, young Union ready for playoffs | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. -- In just their second season as an MLS franchise, the Union set the lofty goal of being one of the 10 teams to reach the tightly contested 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs. And with a draw on Saturday night at PPL Park, the young organization could finally taste the fruits of their 33-game effort.

Union celebrates playoff berth, looks to capture East | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/17/2011

THE MID-OCTOBER rays of an evening sun cascaded through the gray rafters onto the pitch at PPL Park, shining ever so bright on the Union and its supporters - collectively in celebration mode.

Union earn first-ever playoff berth with draw | CSN Philly

CHESTER, Pa. -- It wasn’t the way they imagined it, but with the 1-1 draw against Toronto FC on Saturday at PPL Park, for the first time since their inception, the Union have officially qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Already in MLS Cup playoffs, Union playing to avoid wild card | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/17/2011

Now that the Union have secured a Major League Soccer playoff berth, the team's second piece of business is attempting to earn a first-round bye and avoiding a wild-card playoff.

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