Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union trio earn Best XI honors

Philadelphia Union News

Mark McKenzie, Brenden Aaronson remain humble amid European interest
With the dream of playing European soccer apparently close, McKenzie and Aaronson are remaining humble and focused on the August 21 clash with the New England Revolution.

Union trio earn Best XI honors for performances at MLS is Back Tournament
Four different MLS clubs are represented on the Best XI with the champion Portland Timbers having four players, runners-up Orlando City SC and semifinalists Philadelphia Union each with three players, and the Los Angeles Football Club with one player.

Mark McKenzie on fans booing players kneeling: It shows how much work there is to be done
“I believe somebody said this kneeling is becoming overkill right now. You know, that sums it up in a nutshell. The injustices and systemic racism, I think that’s the overkill. It’s disheartening, it’s frustrating to see.”

OTD 2016: Bedoya makes his Union debut
Four years ago, Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya made his club debut in New England as the club knocked off the Revs.

Report: Paxten Aaronson signed to homegrown contract
Brenden Aaronson’s younger brother is reportedly following in his brother’s footsteps with a first team deal.

MLS News

ST. LOUIS CITY: The newest MLS team name announced
Four primary colors will identify the team: “City Red,” “River Blue,” ”Energy Yellow,” ”Arch Steel Gray.”

Armchair Analyst: Secondary transfer window needs for the Eastern Conference
The summer window is open and will remain open for the next two-and-a-half months. As always, there’s shopping to do.

LAFC forward Adama Diomande says he’s terminating contract
Diomande was a valuable backup striker for LAFC in 2018 and again in 2019 when the club finished with Major League Soccer’s best record. The 30-year-old Norwegian veteran scored 12 goals in just 18 games during LAFC’s inaugural season in 2018, and he added eight regular-season goals last season.

Vancouver Whitecaps transfer Inbeom Hwang to Russian club FC Rubin Kazan
Transfermarkt’s Manuel Veth reported the fee to be €2.5 million while MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert reported the fee was $3 million (€2.534 million) with a 25% sell-on fee.

Rest of the World News

Tyler Adams winner fires Leipzig into Champions League semis
The dramatic late win marks the first time the Bundesliga club has reached the last four of the competition and sets up a clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday for a spot in the final.

Bayern Munich thrash Barcelona to reach Champions League semifinals
The loss was Barcelona’s worst-ever in the Champions League, while Bayern became the first team to score eight goals in a UCL knockout-round game.

Arsenal complete signing of Willian on free transfer
Willian, 32, ended his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year deal with the Gunners.