Philadelphia Union News
Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Matt Freese signs contract extension
The 22-year-old has made seven first team appearances since signing out of Harvard University in 2018, none bigger than his clean sheet in the last game of the regular season in 2020 when they clinched the Supporters’ Shield.
Union II’s Shanyder Borgelin makes preseason appearance with first team
The 19-year-old has been with the organization since 2017 as a member of the Philadelphia Union Academy’s residency program. After notching 14 goals in 39 appearances, he turned pro on April 5, 2019. Over the past two seasons, the young forward has gained nearly 900 minutes of experience against older players.
MLS News
D.C. United defender Steven Birnbaum out until June after ankle surgery
Birnbaum, 30, missed the final eight games of the 2020 season due to ankle trouble, and he had an initial procedure on his ankle two months ago, with the aim of having him back at full fitness by the end of the preseason.
Toronto FC re-sign general manager Ali Curtis to a multi-year contract extension
The 42 year old joined Toronto FC prior to the 2019 season, asked to fill the enormous shoes left by Tim Bezbatchenko following his departure to the Columbus Crew. Since arriving, Curtis has helped the Reds reach win an Eastern Conference title (2019) and finished second in the Supporters’ Shield race (2020).
Crew winger Alexandru Matan called up to Romania’s U-21 team for Euros
Romania will play its three group stage matches in Budapest, Hungary during this international break. Matan and company open on March 24 against the Netherlands, matchup with hosts Hungary three days later and will conclude the group stage on March 31 against Germany.
Concacaf News
USWNT will play France in second European April friendly
After these games, there will only be one more FIFA window in June before the Olympics, so them microscope is fairly zoomed in now on the starting lineups and final rosters from these European friendlies.
Concacaf plans to launch a women’s soccer Champions League after the 2023 World Cup
It’s a robust endorsement of the growth of women’s soccer in the region, and it’s a robust commitment by the regional governing body for the sport in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
CF Montréal president Gilmore frustrated over Canada Soccer’s handling of Canadian Championship
Toronto and Hamilton had been scheduled to meet this Saturday for the Canadian title, but the Reds have been plagued by a series of positive COVID-19 cases. TFC players and coaches were under lockdown last week because of a handful of positive cases.
Rest of the World News
De Bruyne, Gundogan send Cityzens to Champions League quarters
Another 2-0 win saw Manchester City book their place in the last eight with ease.
Benzema and Ramos on target as Zidane’s men dominate to reach quarterfinals
Late Asensio goal takes care of Italians after Muriel consolation strike.