:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7604531/147117650.jpg)
Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Union, MLS, and U.S. National team related news and notes...
US acclimating in Miami ahead of "difficult" Jamaica match [Robert Andrew Powell, MLSSoccer.com] - "Emboldened by this year's first-ever wins over Italy in Italy and over Mexico in Estadio Azteca, the US men's national team launched camp on Labor Day resolved to earn another first in a World Cup qualifier this Friday."
Federico Higuain, Jairo Arrieta Have Transformed Crew Into A Contender [Jeremiah Oshan, SB Nation Soccer] - "Seemingly lost in the wilderness at midseason, a pair of transfer window acquisitions have turned around the Columbus Crew's fortunes."
The Week That Was In Major League Soccer: Round 26 [Mark O'Rourke, Hot Time In Old Town] - A collection of links and blurbs recapping the past week in MLS.
On Soccer: Where to rate Pia Sundhage in U.S. Women's Team coaching history? [Frank Giase, The Star-Ledger] - "It's probably the only job Pia Sundhage would have left the U.S. women's national team for, and the timing will make for an easy transition, so as she moves into her new role as Sweden's coach, all that remains after five years is to figure out her place in U.S. coaching history."
Kick Off: Miami heat helps USMNT prepare for Jamaica [Greg Lalas, MLSSoccer.com] - "The thermometer showed 90 degrees in Miami as the US national team opened camp on Monday ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Jamaica. That temperature was about perfect as Jurgen Klinsmann and the Americans began preparations for what is expected to be a hot, humid night on Friday in Kingston."
Goals Of The Week - Special Long-Range Edition [Callum Hamilton, SB Nation Soccer] - "Our top 5 goals of the week, featuring Hatem Ben Arfa, Adriano, and Pablo Osvaldo (again.)"