Brotherly Game Daily Links: Andre Blake not great in Union’s playoff win

Philadelphia Union News

Union’s Andre Blake overcomes awful first half vs. Red Bulls, stands tall by end of win
Since Andre Blake became the Union’s starting goalkeeper four years ago, the team has rarely ever had issues in net.

As storybook seasons continues, Union finally have a franchise signature win
In the immediate afterglow of the first playoff win in club history, Union coach Jim Curtin gleefully rehashed a painful story from his playing days to make a meaningful point.

MLS News

MLS announces Sacramento Republic as 29th franchise
Sacramento Republic FC is finally moving up to Major League Soccer. After years of being jilted in MLS’ expansion race, Sacramento will become the league’s 29th franchise. The Republic will begin MLS play in 2022.

MLS officially coming to Sacramento
After years of waiting, Sacramento’s number is finally called in official announcement of the USL Championship club joining MLS as the 29th team in 2022.

Crew parts ways with ‘legend’ Higuain, move in a new direction
The legendary Argentinean midfielder ended his time with the Black & Gold and won’t return in 2020.

Rest of the World News

Sheffield United down Arsenal with Mousset goal to keep Gunners out of top four
Sheffield United moved into the top half of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday that ended the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run.

PSG’s Neymar not among 30 nominees for Ballon d’Or; Ronaldo, Messi head list
Lionel Messi has Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk as rivals for the 2019 Ballon d’Or award, but not Neymar.