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Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Union, MLS, and U.S. National team related news and notes...
United States Lineup Projection: Anyone's Guess With Donovan Out [Kevin McCauley, Stars and Stripes FC] - "Projecting a first choice starting XI for the United States when everyone is healthy isn't too tough, but when two key players are missing? It's a bit rough."
Jurgen Klinsmann: Clint Dempsey looked sharp in training [Mike Slane, Goal.com] - "After sitting out most of the summer as he awaited a move out of Fulham, it appears likely that Dempsey will see playing time with the U.S. team in Jamaica."
Trialists arrive as Philly-Harrisburg partnership bears fruit [Dave Zeitlin, MLSsoccer.com] - "On Thursday, Union manager John Hackworth revealed that two players on the team's USL Pro affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders - forward Lucky Mkosana and goalkeeper Nick Noble - began training with Philadelphia this week and both have a chance to get signed."
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying: Here Comes The Halfway Point [Ryan Rosenblatt, Stars and Stripes FC] - "By the end of Friday, all 12 of the remaining teams will be three matches into the six-match round. Some teams are already realistically eliminated by way of not being very good, but other teams will join them in the upcoming days if they dont come up with wins."
Union need to find scoring touch again [Marc Narducci, Philadelphia Inquirer] - "Nobody has been talking playoffs lately and with good reason. The new goal is to score a goal, or maybe two."
U.S. U-20 women set for rematch with Germany in World Cup final [Avi Creditor, Soccer By Ives] - The final takes place tomorrow in Tokyo from 6:10 AM Eastern time. ESPNU and ESPN3.com/WatchESPN apps have coverage.