Notes from Camp

The Philadelphia Union's three preseason matches thus far have given us a bit of insight on the club's plans going forward. The first match against the Jacksonville Armada aside, the Union have gone with the exact same starting lineup, except for the goalkeeper (more on this in a bit): Ray Gaddis, Steven Vitoria, Ethan White, and Sheanon Williams on defense, Maurice Edu and Vincent Nogueira at defensive midfielder, Andrew Wenger, Cristian Maidana, and Sebastien Le Toux on attacking midfield, and CJ Sapong up top. It'd be a safe bet that this will be Jim Curtin's starting lineup on March 7 - provided the rumors about Fernando Aristeguieta don't come to fruition. I reached out to the Union about the rumors about Aristeguieta, and a spokesman for the club said there was "nothing new with (the) situation."

The goalkeeper situation seems to be working itself out. Despite in only playing in 60 of the 270 total minutes the Union have played this year, Rais M'Bolhi is all but assured the starting goalkeeper spot. He looked sharp in the Africa Cup of Nations, and it would seem like the coaching staff wants to get a look at the other keepers in camp. Andre Blake has played a total of 45 minutes, but the real surprise is John McCarthy playing 165 minutes - far more than Blake or M'Bolhi. With the trialist getting that much time and based on the club's need for an American goalkeeper, I personally wouldn't be shocked if McCarthy is signed soon.

I also noticed Danny Cruz hadn't played yet in a preseason match. I asked the club about this, and the spokesman told me that Cruz has been "rehabbing a minor leg injury" and that "he was training with the team." Knowing Cruz, he'll be back on the field soon enough.