Philadelphia Union

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Philadelphia Union host first-ever Supporters Summit
Fans meet Union management, players and Commissioner Garber


CHESTER, Pa. — Just like many other nights, Philadelphia Union supporters made their voices heard from their seats at PPL Park on Wednesday.

Only this time they had a microphone — and were slightly more polite.

In what they hope will become an annual occurrence, the Union hosted their first “Supporters Summit,” an event designed to give fans the chance to ask players, club officials and even MLS Commissioner Don Garber a variety of questions relating to the team and the league.

For Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz — who, along with Garber, manager Peter Nowak, striker Sébastien Le Toux and goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón, fielded questions from more than 200 supporters from Philly’s home stadium on Wednesday — the summit represents an important part of the club’s core mission

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...porters-summit

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Englishman Tait joins defensive ranks with Philadelphia

Journeyman center back has worked his way up from NAIA ranks

CHESTER, Pa. – When things weren’t working out in his soccer career the way he had hoped, Joe Tait did something about it: He packed his bags, left his native England behind and started fresh in the United States.

Now, after short stints with Lindsey Wilson College, the Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL Premier Development League and the Dayton Dutch Lions of the USL Professional Division, Tait has made it to this country’s top-tier league.

After three weeks on trial, the 21-year-old defender officially signed with the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday.

“I sort of had a bad experience in England,” Tait told MLSsoccer.com a day after being signed. “It didn’t really work out for me. I got an opportunity to come to college here so I thought I’d give it a go. I decided to give it another chance.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ve-ranks-union

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Union move closer to playoff berth with "huge win" in Seattle

Union set up chance to punch playoff ticket at home vs. Toronto

“In the first half we couldn’t figure out a way to break them down in the final third,” said manager Peter Nowak. “I think we made a couple of adjustments at halftime and it worked out well. We tried to push the game from the outside.”

Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll tallied for the Union in a dominant second half effort, while rookie goalkeeper Zac MacMath earned his third shutout in seven starts. With Faryd Mondragon injured, Philadelphia have remained unbeaten with MacMath starting in net (3-0-4).

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...ge-win-seattle

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Union unveil new 2012 primary and secondary kits

Secure your 2012 primary and secondary kits today!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQiXR...layer_embedded

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Union claim midfielder Khalfan in MLS Waiver Draft

MF joins Philadelphia from Vancouver; Holder, González waived

Chester, Pa. (November 23, 2011) – Philadelphia Union announced the club has selected Nizar Khalfan in the MLS Waiver Draft after Vancouver Whitecaps FC released him earlier today. Additionally, the Union have waived goalkeeper Thorne Holder and defender Juan Diego González.

A native of Mtwara, Tanzania, Khalfan appeared in 22 regular season matches in 2011, including nine starts. In 1,066 minutes, the 23-year-old notched a goal and four assists. The midfielder joined Vancouver midway through the 2009 USL First Division season, playing a total 58 games and 3,029 minutes with the Canadian side.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...s-waiver-draft

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Union, Lions to play pre-season match February 18
Second annual match, presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA, to be played at Florida Citrus Bowl


Chester, Pa. (December 9, 2011) - Philadelphia Union and Orlando City Lions today announced the sides will be matching up against each other in their second annual preseason game on February 18, 2012. As part of Philadelphia’s first leg of the 2012 preseason camp, presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA, the match will take place at the Florida Citrus Bowl a year after the Union played the Lions to a 1-0 loss on February 19, 2011.

“Last year's preseason in Orlando provided an excellent experience,” said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “Our work there gave us a good foundation for preparing the team, and we look forward to going back to Orlando for a second year to prepare for the 2012 season. Orlando City continues to run a first-rate operation with which we are proud to partner.”

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...ch-february-18

ARE THE LIONS THE 20th MLS TEAM?

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McLaughlin living the dream as Union's newest player
18-year-old attacker becomes club's second Home Grown signing


Last week, during a quick break from finals cramming, Colgate University freshman Jimmy McLaughlin talked about what it would mean for him to play professionally for his hometown team.

“It definitely is my dream,” he told MLSsoccer.com.

A week later, that dream has been realized.

On Monday, the Philadelphia Union announced the signing of McLaughlin, who just wrapped up his first season at Colgate and had been a prized piece in Philly’s academy system.

McLaughlin – who starred at nearby Great Valley High School and with nearly club powerhouse FC Delco – will be the franchise’s second Home Grown signing, following in the footsteps of his good friend Zach Pfeffer.

Union fans got a glimpse of what the 18-year-old can do in international friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid over the summer. Unfazed by the world-renowned players on the other side of the pitch, McLaughlin showed his blazing speed and attacking fearlessness on the wing after coming in as a late substitution

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...-newest-player

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Costa Rican defender Lopez acquired by Union
Lopez joins club after back-to-back Costa Rican titles


http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...acquired-union

Union acquire Panamanian midfielder Gomez
Central midfielder led Panama to 2011 Gold Cup semifinals


http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...namanian-gomez

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Adu to train with Rayo Vallecano of Spain's La Liga
Philadelphia star set to spend one week with Keller's onetime club


AMSTERDAM — Philadelphia Union playmaker Freddy Adu will begin a week-long visit to La Liga outit Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, MLSsoccer.com has confirmed.

The US international's agent, Richard Motzkin, confirmed the details on Tuesday. Adu was originally scheduled to make the trip over in mid-December, but a call-up to the recent Olympic camp in Florida delayed his plans.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...spains-la-liga

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PPL Park to host 2012 MLS All-Star Game
Philadelphia awarded first ASG in decade; opponent still unknown


For the first time in a decade, Philadelphia will host an All-Star Game.

Major League Soccer announced on Tuesday that Philadelphia will be the stage for the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 25 at 8 pm ET, bringing the summer’s showcase event to PPL Park, where the Sons of Ben will welcome a yet unnamed opponent to take on the best MLS has to offer. In the most recent edition held in 2011, Manchester United took on the MLS All-Stars at Red Bull Arena.

The 2012 event will be broadcast on ESPN2, Galavision or TeleFutura and TSN and RDS, while ESPN International will provide live coverage of the event in more than 100 countries around the world and ESPN3 and WatchESPN carry the game online in the United States.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-all-star-game

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Union to hold open training at YSC Sports, play three exhibition matches in Florida
Fans invited to training session at YSC Sports on February 1


The Union will hold an open training session on Wednesday, February 1, at YSC Sports in Wayne, Pa. Fans are invited to attend the open training session free of charge from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There will not be autograph opportunities at the open training session. Video and flash photography are not permitted.

Following a week of training at YSC Sports from January 30-February 3, the Union will depart for Orlando on February 5. The club will train and play three exhibition matches in Florida before returning to Philadelphia on February 19.

Florida exhibition schedule

Union vs. Florida Gulf Coast University – February 11, 2:00 p.m. – Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex (Deltona, Fl.)

Union vs. University of Central Florida – February 15, 1:00 p.m. – Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex (Deltona, Fl.)

Union vs. Orlando City – Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. – Florida Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fl.)

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...atches-florida

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Union and Saprissa to Partner
Clubs to play friendly, share player development best practices


Chester, Pa. (January 27, 2012) – Philadelphia Union and Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa today announced the formation of a strategic partnership that will focus on player development and training methodology, as well as best practices in commercial, stadium and financial operations.

"Saprissa is one of the most successful clubs in our part of the world,” said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “They have won at every level of club competition, developed some big stars, some of which had storied careers abroad and have fueled the national team with many players such as Josué Martinez, who is now a Philadelphia Union player. They have world-class ownership that truly understands the current international football scene and are aligned with our technical and business philosophies. We are delighted and looking forward to our new partnership.”

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...rtivo-saprissa

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Union, Orlando City draw 1-1 in Florida finale

Califf nets first half goal, Orlando equalizes in 93rd minute

Orlando, Fla. (February 18, 2012) - A late stoppage time goal by Orlando City’s Max Griffin erased a 1-0 Philadelphia Union lead, as the Union played Orlando to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl. Defender Danny Califf headed in a free kick off a cross from Gabriel Gomez in the 27th minute to open the scoring.

VID: http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/...ts-orl-1-1-phi

Orlando nearly got on the board in the fifth minute when a miscue by the Union defense allowed Dennis Chin to take the game’s first shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath was able to deflect the attempt away with his left hand. The Union quickly answered just five minutes later, but Jack McInerney’s chip shot sailed over the crossbar.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...florida-finale

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Union head further south for third phase of 2012 preseason
Philadelphia depart for Costa Rica Thurs.; three scrimmages on tap


The Union will play a scrimmage against league-leading Municipal Perez Zeledon on February 26. The squad will then play the U-20 Costa Rican National Team on February 28, before wrapping up with a game against fifth-place Belen on March 1.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...2012-preseason

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Union sign goalkeeper Chris Konopka

Toms River, N.J. native spent three seasons playing in Ireland

Name: Chris Konopka
Pronunciation: Chris Kon-op-ka
Number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210
Born: April 14, 1985
Birthplace: Toms River, N.J.
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: MLS Pool Goalkeeper


Philadelphia Union have signed goalkeeper Chris Konopka, the club announced today. A native of Toms River, N.J., Konopka was originally drafted by Kansas City in the 2007 Supplemental Draft and was most recently a member of the MLS Goalkeeper Pool. Per club and League policies, the terms of the deal will not be released.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtyzy1xVBg

Called into service by the New York Red Bulls last season, Konopka started against the Chicago Fire on August 14 and posted two saves in a 2-2 draw. He also spent time with the Columbus Crew, playing the second half of the Crew’s July 26 friendly against Newcastle United. Konopka was also a member of the Crew’s roster for games against Salt Lake, Toronto, Houston and Philadelphia.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...-chris-konopka

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Brotherly Love
Union's Nowak, Califf make peace after weekend flareup


CHESTER, Pa. – It appears the air has been cleared between Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak and team captain Danny Califf.

The club made headlines on Sunday when Nowak decided to sit Califf for the Union’s home opener, citing offseason knee surgery as the reason why. Califf responded that Nowak never approached him before the game to tell him he wasn’t in the starting lineup and told reporters that he was completely healthy and surprised by the omission.

Two days later, the communication lines between Philly’s captain and coach have been reopened and the brewing controversy appears mostly squashed.

“We had a good talk yesterday,” Califf said following Wednesday’s practice. “I think we resolved some issues, so I think things are going to be much better going forward. It was a good, constructive talk. We were both able to get things off our chest, so we’ll move forward in a positive way.”

Added Nowak: “I think it was a very helpful and a very healthy conversation. The communication was very important from both sides.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...eekend-flareup

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Meet the Sons of Ben
Get to know Philadelphia Union's largest supporters group





http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2012/04/meet-sons-ben

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Union to host FC Schalke 04 May 9 at PPL Park

Bundesliga side captured 2011 German Supercup

Chester, Pa. (April 12, 2012) – Philadelphia Union today announced the club will host Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04 on Wednesday, May 9, 7:30 p.m. EST, at PPL Park. One of the most popular teams in Germany, Schalke currently sit in third place in the Bundesliga and are just one win away from a top four finish and a spot in the Champions League next season.

Schalke feature stars Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, currently ranked second in the Bundesliga in scoring, Spanish legend Raul and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Jermaine Jones.*

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...may-9-ppl-park

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Recap:
Hoffman, Union topple Schalke 2-1 in friendly


CHESTER, Pa. – It doesn’t count toward the standings, but the Philadelphia Union did two things they haven’t been able to do much of this season: employ a dangerous offensive attack and earn a win.

And they did so against a well-known team that recently wrapped up a third-place finish in the German Bundesliga.

On Wednesday night at PPL Park, rookie striker Chandler Hoffman scored the game-winner in the 88th minute to send Philly to a 2-1 victory over FC Schalke 04, who were playing their first game in the United States since 1963

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...e-2-1-friendly

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Adu show abruptly cut short by sending-off in Union loss


CHESTER, Pa. – For 42 minutes on Sunday, it was the Freddy Adu Show at PPL Park. And then, just like that, the show got cancelled.

After playing what he called “his best game with the Union by far,” Adu (above left) hit the showers early after getting shown his second yellow card for a simulation in the penalty box.

Down a man for the entire second half, the Union ended up dropping a gut-wrenching 3-2 decision to the rival Red Bulls.

“I was very disappointed because I thought things were going well up to that point,” Adu told MLSsoccer.com. “We had them on their heels. It was the best we played all season and I really thought we'd pull out a win.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ort-union-loss

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Trading Places
Philadelphia deal first-ever pick Mwanga for Timbers' Perlaza

The Philadelphia Union traded away another of their expansion originals on Wednesday, swapping the franchise’s first-ever MLS draft pick in Danny Mwanga to the Portland Timbers for speedy striker Jorge Perlaza.

Mwanga, 21, played prep soccer in Portland and starred at Oregon State before the Union used the top pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft to grab what most considered was the best young attacking player available. He scored seven goals and added four assists during his rookie season and another five goals and four assists during the team’s run to the postseason last year, but has struggled for playing time in 2012 and has yet to score a goal this season.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to come back to my hometown and play in front of family and friends,” Mwanga said in a statement. “I’m excited, and I can’t wait to get out to Portland and get to work. I’m proud to be a member of the Portland Timbers.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...imbers-perlaza

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Nowak's tenure in Philly memorable, occasionally controversial
Union, Nowak part ways, Union chief explains dismissal


Say what you will about Peter Nowak, but he certainly had an eventful tenure as Philadelphia Union manager. Here are some of the highs and lows of the past three years:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...e-philadelphia

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New Union boss John Hackworth firm:
"I'm not Peter Nowak"


CHESTER, Pa. – John Hackworth has been a loyal deputy, a trusted advisor and a good friend to Peter Nowak for the past three years.

But in the wake of the news that Hackworth was replacing Nowak as Philadelphia Union manager, the new man in charge wanted to make one thing clear.

“I can tell you that I’m not Peter Nowak,” Hackworth said. “I’m John Hackworth.”

What does that mean exactly? Will he implement new tactics and shuffle the lineup for his first game as manager Saturday vs. D.C. United at PPL Park (7 pm ET, Galavision)?

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ot-peter-nowak

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Union sign central defender Bakary Soumare

Former MLS Defender of the Year finalist returns to league

Chester, Pa. (June 26, 2012) – Philadelphia Union have signed former Major League Soccer Defender of the Year finalist Bakary Soumare, the club announced today. Originally drafted by the Chicago Fire with the second overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Soumare comes to the Union from French side US Boulogne. The center back will be eligible to play for the Union in Saturday’s game against the Houston Dynamo. Per MLS and Club policy, terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

Name: Bakary Soumare
Pronunciation: Bak-a-ray Sue-mar-ay
Number: 4
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Born: November 9, 1985
Birthplace: Bamako, Mali
Citizenship: USA/Mali
Last Club: US Boulogne

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/new...bakary-soumare

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Comeback Kids
McInerney scores in stoppage as Union rally to beat Revolution


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter...-ne/highlights