Union/Local
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Robert Pires has turned down the Union. In a “crude, computer-generated”-translated quote in the Washington Post, Pires says, “If it means to take along my family far, I prefer that it is in a beautiful city.” Jerk. Doesn’t he know it’s always sunny in Philadelphia?
Danny Mwanga’s last minute game-tying goal has been voted the Major League Soccer AT&T Goal of the Week. It was a pretty awesome goal!
The Union announced on Wednesday that season tickets have sold out. The club is now offering two partial season packages of seven games. Single game tickets will go on sale on June 7. Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Independence announced that individual tickets are now available for the remaining nine home games.
The Ocean City Nor’easters were eliminated from the US Open Cup in a 3-0 loss to the Newark Ironbound Express. Playing as the Barons last year, Ocean City made it to the quarterfinals before losing to DC United. No word yet on the fate of the “t” and the “h.”
The battle for the top of the Eastern Conference between Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls kicks off tonight on ESPN2 at 8pm.
US/World Cup
Bob Bradley began Wednesday’s media session by talking about Army Col. John McHugh, a lifelong friend who was killed by a roadside bomb this week in Afghanistan. McHugh was formerly a goalkeeper at West Point.
The Washington Post’s Soccer Insider has an injury update on the USMNT. In other news from Princeton, Daily Show correspondent John Oliver—he’s the weaselly looking English guy—was at training camp filming a segment with England-based players Jay Demerit, Marcus Hahnemann and Jonathan Spector. Said Spector, “I love the show. I knew what I was in for. I tried to keep a straight face.”
Bradley says he will trim the US roster to 23 players after the Czech Republic match.
Sports Illustrated talks to Jozy Altidore. I always forget that he’s only 20, which might explain why he was stupid enough to tell David Beckham that the US will beat England 3-0.
Soccer365 talks to Maurice Edu.
The New York Daily news talks to Edson Buddle.
The Miami Herald talks with US midfielder Alejandro Bedoya.
If you happen to be in San Francisco during the World Cup, you’ll be able to watch the games for free on a 13-foot by 18-foot screen in front of City Hall at Civic Center Plaza. What’s it all gonna cost the city? Nothing, thanks to sponsorship by local youth soccer and education groups and the San Jose Earthquakes. Hey Mayor Nutter, I have an idea . . .
Maradona has released Argentina’s 23-man roster for the World Cup. Who’s this Messi guy?
Jose Mourinho says that the Champions League is bigger than the World Cup. At least until he’s managing a national team.
It’s Ok, Pires is washed up anyway. Id rather have Torres and Salinas out wide.
How insulting. We liberate France from the Nazis, and he turns down the Union because Philadelphia is not “a beautiful city” but New York is?!?!? Good riddance. If he signs with another MLS team, it will be fun to witness his reception at PPL park when they come to Chester. My rancor aside, I agree with fcphillyboy. MLS needs to move beyond the habit of signing retirees from Europe and promoting great young talent in this hemisphere.