Brotherly Game Daily Links: Martinez in middle of Union/Venezuela tug of war

Philadelphia Union News

Opponent Scout: Eastern Conference showdown against Toronto
Good things happen in Philadelphia and one of those good things is the Philadelphia Union. The Boys in Blue are having a memorable season with their latest victory coming in the pouring rain against Inter Miami by a 3-0 margin.

Union’s José Andrés Martínez caught in FIFA-MLS tug of war over South American World Cup qualifying
In normal circumstances, Union midfielder José Andrés Martínez getting a Venezuelan national team call-up would be cause for celebration. But right now, it’s a cause for worry.

Brenden Aaronson gets better as the spotlight gets brighter and the MLS playoff race gets hotter
U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter said this week that “it’s great to see” what Aaronson is doing, and that the 19-year-old Medford native “obviously is an established player at his age.”

MLS News

What to watch for in MLS Week 15: A snapshot of each match as the playoff pressure ratchets up
Here’s a rundown of what to expect from all 11 Saturday matches and the lone Sunday match between RSL and LAFC.

Rumor: LAFC’s Latif Blessing bound for Brazilian club Vasco da Gama?
The rumor appears to originate from Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, which claimed Wednesday the club and player are in negotiations on personal terms but they have to figure out a way for LAFC to let Blessing go.

U.S. Soccer News

Is the USMNT in danger of developing into a world-class outfit?
The US were humiliated after failing to reach the World Cup, but players of real talent are now at Europe’s biggest clubs

Rest of the World News

Europa League draw: Milan to face Celtic, Arsenal get Dundalk
The group stage begins on Oct. 22 and runs until Dec. 10. UEFA said last week that games postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic can be made up until Jan. 28.