Valdes Flies to Spain, Other Events Leave Shortened Roster for Union

The Philadelphia Union will not have up to five players in today's game against the Chicago Fire, including the team's captain.

Carlos Valdes, who took over the captain's armband after Danny Califf was traded to Chivas USA, flew to Spain yesterday, meaning that he will miss his first Union game for reasons not involving cautions or red cards. The 26-year-old was called up to the Colombian National Team for the first time since 2010 and will join it for training in Madrid, Spain in advance of the country's 2014 World Cup qualifiers in September.

Additionally, Gabriel Gomez and Keon Daniel were called up to the Panamanian and Trinidad and Tobago national teams, respectively.

Gomez has struggled to return to form after tearing a muscle in his thigh in May. Daniel has had problems staying in the Union's lineup this season and has not had a consistent place in it since his visa problems last fall.

Krystian Witkowski will once again miss a game, as he still has concussion symptoms. Antoine Hoppenot may miss today's game, despite him declaring that he has intended to play, because of a broken nose caused by Martin Rivas' headbutt last week.

Jack McInerney will also miss the game due to a suspension. He pushed Rivas to the ground after the center back head butted Hoppenot.