Brotherly Game Daily Links: Thank You, Barnetta

Philadelphia Union News

Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps
Last season, Vancouver Whitecaps came to Talen Energy Stadium with one of the clearest strategies and flawed lineups in MLS. They were a bunker and counter team without the backline or central midfield to support their excellent front line, and the Union exposed Brek Shea at left back with what can only be called supreme ease.

Thanks for the memories: Tranquillo Barnetta announces retirement
After playing the beautiful game for 17 years as a professional, former Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta announced his retirement on social media.

What’s up with Talen Energy Stadium’s turf?
Talen Energy Stadium groundskeeper John Torres has long been known as one of the best in MLS.

Bethlehem Steel FC

Steel defeat University of Delaware in friendly with help from West Chester United
West Chester United players Enda O’Neill, Sami Phelps, Kyle Hoops and Michael Gonzalez were guest players with Steel FC in a 3-2 win over the Blue Hens.

MLS News

Wednesday MLS action preview
Midweek games are coming thick and fast in MLS, with a full batch of matches on tap on Wednesday. Let’s get right into it. Here’s one thing to watch in each game.

MLS Power Rankings: LA teams lead the pack
Union climb to a season high eighth in the MLS Power Rankings.

MLS considering “significantly altering the salary budgets”
Significantly altering the salary budgets. The 2019 MLS Salary Budget is $4,240,000. At least tripling it would get the budget to nearly $13 million.

Rest of the World News

Manchester Derby offers nightmare scenario for United: Help City or Liverpool
The 178th Manchester derby between United and City, on Wednesday at Old Trafford, will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this season’s Premier League title race, but the result of this game will mean as much in Liverpool as it does in Manchester.