Taylor Twellman No Longer Union Color Commentator, Officially Lead Soccer Analyst At ESPN

2011 Philadelphia Union color commentator Taylor Twellman has officially left the team's broadcast team. The former New England Revolution star striker thanked the team's fans for making him "feel like family" during his year with the Union.

Twellman was reported as the next ESPN lead soccer analyst by Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl because John Harkes' ESPN contract was not renewed. Joining Alexi Lalas on set, and most likely Ian Darke in the game broadcasting box, Twellman and the Union have said that the working time involved with his new ESPN role will not allow him to continue on as Philadelphia's color commentator.

Here's an excerpt of Twellman's letter to Union fans, posted on PhiladelphiaUnion.com:

But I would be mistaken if I didn't thank you guys, the fans. I can't explain my gratitude to you for making me feel part of the family so quickly and will forever have a spot in my heart as I enjoyed my first year in TV so much. I loved coming to Philly more than you know.

The Union stated on Twitter that the next team color commentator is still to be determined.