Philadelphia Reveals Identities Of Three Trialists In Preseason Camp

John Hackworth must really enjoy having knowledgeable fans. The Philadelphia spent another day pursuing a new team mission operative of transparency and supporters of the club were aflutter on social networks at the substantial change in club policy.

Per Kerith Gabriel, in today's Daily Doop, the Union have "midfielders Nicolas Medina, Charles Renken and goalkeeper Tunde Ogunbiyi" on trial in camp this preseason.

The disclosure of trial player identity was something that the Union were fully against during the tumultuous reign of former head coach Peter Nowak. Under Hackworth, Philadelphia has begun a new era of understanding for those in the stands (and perhaps for media, too).

Medina once played for Sunderland - in 2004. He literally played once and it wasn't in the EPL.

The Argentine midfielder has an interesting connection to Ricardo Ansaldi, who Gabriel said 'discovered' Medina. According to an ambiguous entry on Wikipedia, which seems to have the only history of him on the internet, he played for Tiro Federal in 2009-2010.

Ansaldi has done business with Tiro Federal in the past and the Union were heavily linked to one of their strikers last fall.

Charles Renken is a very interesting trialist. He's got an immense amount of youth international experience with the USMNT, but injuries have hampered his career.

At 19 he's a low risk, high reward prospect that fits in well with Hackworth's drive to make up the Union through former youth national teamers. Renken was at one point with Hoffenheim and last with the Portland Timbers.

He didn't really see the field with the Timbers and Stumptown Footy, SB Nation's Portland Timbers site, was disappointed that he was released. They cited his youth, "talent and speed" as reasons for which the Timbers should have stuck with him past last year.

As for Tunde Ogunbiyi, has local history beyond just graduating from high school in the area. He played for Ocean City FC and had a trial with Reading in England, as well.

Ogunbiyi's presence is probably to have him in camp to push Harrison and Konopka for a roster spot.

Also in camp is Alex Mendoza, who spent time in Mexico in recent years and is from Harrisburg, PA.