Tuesday Afternoon Union Freekicks: An Important Game On An Important Day

Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Union, MLS, and U.S. National team related news and notes...

For USMNT, 9/11 proves special day to "get right result" [Greg Lalas, MLSsoccer.com] - "It will be an emotional event, not only because of the must-win situation the US team finds itself in at the moment, but also because for some of the players, the events of 9/11 really hit home."

Klinsmann plans to use Carlos Bocanegra when USA faces Jamaica [Mike Slane, Goal.com] - "The Racing Santander defender will captain the U.S. team for the second World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica in a five-day span."

United States Lineup Projection: Expecting Changes, Anticipating The Possibility Of None [Kevin McCauley, Stars and Stripes FC] - "We already learned about one change that's going to be made. Jurgen Klinsmann has announced that Captain America will return after sitting out in Kingston. As for the rest of the lineup, it's anyone's guess. I qualify as 'anyone', so I'm going to take a guess."

Philly's Farfan off and running with Hackworth's blessing [Dave Zeitlin, MLSsoccer.com] - "While the 2012 season has been a largely disappointing one for the Philadelphia Union, there have been a few promising developments. One of them has been the play of Michael Farfan, who's quietly emerged as the team's No. 1 playmaker and driving force in the center of the midfield."

The good 'bye' week [Kevin Kinkead, philadelphiaunion.com] - "Fourteen days is a long time between games, but that might be a good thing considering Philadelphia Union history."

Crew Stadium: a Spartan place, but one with enormous significance in American soccer [Steve Davis, NBC Sports ProSoccerTalk] - "I know that beating up on Columbus Crew Stadium, easily the most plain Jane facility among 14 constructed expressly for MLS clubs, is something of a pastime for domestic soccer supporters. [...] But today is a great time to put Crew Stadium and its critical place in domestic soccer into proper perspective."