Brotherly Game Daily Links: What makes the Union/Saprissa matchup so compelling

Philadelphia Union News

What makes the Philadelphia Union drawing Deportivo Saprissa so compelling
The Philadelphia Union are this year’s sole CCL debutant among the MLS contingent, and they were handed a daunting Round of 16 matchup against Deportivo Saprissa, “the Bayern Munich or Manchester United of Costa Rica,” in the words of Union head coach Jim Curtin, “a big club where the only expectation is to win and to win championships.”

MLS News

MLS sets 2021 preseason start dates
Major League Soccer announced an update to the 2021 preseason start dates on Saturday, with MLS players now set to report on March 1 for a seven-day quarantine period, medical exams and testing ahead of team training getting underway on March 8.

San Jose Earthquakes set to acquire midfielder Eric Remedi
Remedi, 25, joined Atlanta United midway through the 2018 season, helping them win MLS Cup that year. After starting a majority of league games in 2019, he became a part-time starter in 2020.

Toronto FC ‘close’ to signing new designated player; will bring back Justin Morrow
An 11-year MLS veteran, Morrow has spent the last seven seasons in Toronto since being acquired via trade from the San Jose Earthquakes. He ranks second on the club’s all-time appearances list with 227 in all competitions, behind only Jonathan Osorio’s 263.

Inter Miami, New York Red Bulls, DC United eye ex-Arsenal Gibbs - sources
David Beckham’s franchise Inter Miami made a contract offer during the January transfer window but that proposal was rejected with sources telling ESPN it represented a fraction of his £70,000-a-week wage.

Rest of the World News

Bayern Munich confirm Dayot Upamecano signing
The 22-year-old, who was linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, will officially join Bayern on July 1 and has signed a five-year contract.