Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union host rivals D.C. United

Philadelphia Union News

Preview: A battle to maintain defensive structure on Saturday
The Union need these points. With Atlanta United and LAFC looming, Philly has a terrifically arduous home stretch coming up. Jamiro Monteiro’s return will help, but it’s the overall defensive shape of the team that needs to return to early season form.

Wayne Rooney won’t visit the Union this weekend, and he might never
Local English Premier League fans hoping to see Wayne Rooney come to them this weekend for D.C. United’s visit to the Union won’t get the chance. And since the English star forward is leaving MLS to return home after this season, the chance might never come.

MLS News

5 questions for the weekend as Rivalry Week hits full boil
The biggest weekend in the MLS is here, let’s get ready for it with a preview.

Portland Timbers lose 2-1 at home to Seattle Sounders as supporters protest
In their second home loss in a row, the Portland Timbers surrendered the Cascadia Cup and playoff positioning to the Seattle Sounders as the fell 2-1 at Providence Park.

Atlanta United still undefeated against Orlando City, win 1-0
It’s Atlanta’s sixth straight victory across all competitions, its fourth straight in league play, its third straight away win after dropping six in a row outside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and puts them unbeaten across 9 games against Orlando.

Matthew McConaughey joins Austin FC investor-operator mix with other prominent Austinites
A group of four prominent Austinites was announced Friday as new partners in the soccer venture. The group is led by investment firm head Eduardo “Eddie” Margain and includes actor and producer Matthew McConaughey, technology executive Marius Haas and oil and gas entrepreneur Bryan Sheffield.

NYCFC Fans Fume Over New Season Ticket Prices, Lack of Transparency
New York City’s FC has not announced news of a new stadium, but prices have already increased without warning. Fans are frustrated with the lack of information and some are even reconsidering renewing in 2020.

Rest of the World News

Sources: Barca consider Neymar-Dembele swap
Barca have already seen two bids turned down for Neymar, who left the club for France in a world record €222 million transfer in 2017.

Torres’ career ends with loss to Iniesta’s Vissel
Torres, 35, hung up his boots following a 6-1 defeat by a Vissel Kobe side featuring former Spain teammates Andres Iniesta and David Villa.