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After being expected to arrive in the States some time this week to meet up with the Galaxy, midfielder David Beckham has extended his stay with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. a further two weeks. Meanwhile, back across the pond we are only one day away from finally getting our hands on the 2011 MLS schedule. Are you planning on making the trip to any Union away games?
Use this thread to discuss any of today's news, including a full slate of international friendlies that features matchups like Brazil vs. France, and Germany vs. Italy.
Noone Continuing to Adapt in Union Preseason [Andy Jasner - philadelphiaunion.com] While midfielder J.T. Noone actually spent all of last year's preseason with the Union as well, this is the first year where he can really feel like a part of the team from the outset. He describes the challenges he faces as he tries to win a place in the team.
Philly hoping Le Toux, Mwanga get help in '11 [Dave Zeitlin - mlssoccer.com] Here's a look at which Union players will be counted on to take some of the scoring burden off the shoulders of Le Toux and Mwanga this season.
Union Tactics: New season calls for new midfield roles [Adam Cann - Philly Soccer Page] Nearly half the Union's roster consists of midfielders. Many of those players are new faces. Adam Cann looks at how the team could reshuffle the midfield to make it even better.
Tressor Moreno Is a New Player at Bahia of Brazil [In Spanish - RCN Radio] Colombian news outlet RCN Radio reveals the signing of Tressor Moreno by a Brazilian club who has been promoted to the first division for this year. Moreno was rumored to be in talks with the Union. (Title translated from Spanish)
McCarthy's Musings: David Beckham Once Again Makes his Priorities Clear [Kyle McCarthy - Goal.com] Beckham's true loyalties are explored here, as well as whether or not the extended move is detrimental to the Galaxy.
Proprietary Stat Tracking: Bad for Fans, Teams, and Soccer [Mark Rogers - Hot Time in Old Town] A look at how MLS teams have begun to outsource their stat tracking to third party companies.
El Salvador expelled for using ineligible American [Paul Kennedy - SoccerAmerica.com] El Salvador has been expelled from April's upcoming CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where Zac MacMath and Amobi Okugo are expected to take part. Find out why the Central American country was expelled here. The answer involves a former member of the Real Salt Lake academy.
International Comment: Argentina-Portugal Is So Much More Than The Messi & Ronaldo Show [Daniel Edwards - Goal.com] A full range of international friendlies are on tap Wednesday, including the first-ever meeting between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the international level. Daniel Edwards takes a look at why the matchup is about a lot more than just the two superstars.