Labor Day Union Freekicks - The Hackworth Era Begins

Happy labor day, everyone! Today's open thread for all things Union, MLS, barbeque, etc.

Monday MLS Breakdown: John Hackworth plans for his permanent future in Philadelphia [Kyle McCarthy, Goal.com] - "Player development and team building rank high on the agenda as Hackworth attempts to continue the work started during his interim reign with the Union."

Zakuani makes huge progress in first start in comeback [Jeremiah Oshan, MLSsoccer.com] - "Exactly 500 days after a broken leg set back his career, Steve Zakuani made his triumphant return to the Seattle Sounders' starting lineup. Playing forward in a 4-3-3 setup, Zakuani flashed some of his old form in registered an assist in a 1-1 with FC Dallas on Sunday."

Jurgen Klinsmann Names USA Roster For World Cup Qualifiers Vs. Jamaica [SBNation.com Soccer] - No Landon Donovan due to injury, and though there was initial excitement as Josh Gatt got the call, it subsided relatively quickly. The 21-year old from Michigan was forced to take himself off of the roster thanks to a hamstring injury.

Sundhage Was Pitch-Perfect Voice for U.S. Soccer Team [Jeré Longman, The New York Times] - The praises of Pia Sundhage continue, as they should.

Soccer Embraces Big Data to Quantify the Beautiful Game [Jason Turbow, Wired] - An in-depth look at the Adidas miCoach system that the Union, among other MLS teams, have been piloting this season.

Penn Men's Soccer Edged in Double OT by UNH, 2-1 [PennAthletics.com] - The Quakers fell to 0-2 on the season. They host Air Force later this week, and will attempt to prevent their first 0-3 start since 2007.