Union

On the Union website, the first of JP Dellacamera’s two-part series previewing the Eastern Conference.

Independence

VASoccerNews caught up with the Independence’s draft pick Sinead Farrelly for a quick Q&A.

MLS

Their new stadium set to open on June 9 when they host Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City will have to endure ten road games at the start of their 2011 season.

Rafa Marquez will partner with Time Ream at central defense for the Energy Drinks.

Some good has come out of David Beckham’s extended stay in England. Apparently he helped a motorist push his broken down car.

NASL

With US Soccer president Sunil Gulati and MLS commissioner Don Garber abstaining, the NASL has received a one-year provisional sanction as the second division of professional soccer in North America. Whether NASL teams will be allowed to compete in the US Open Cup will be decided later this week.

US

Michael Bradley had his debut for Aston Villa on Saturday.

In Turkey, Jozy Altidore made a memorable debut for Burzaspor. Video included.

Elsewhere

Chants such as “There’s only one Andy Gray” were directed at referee’s assistant Sian Massey when she worked the Blackpool v. Aston Villa match.

The FA has warned players that comments on Twitter and other social networking tools could lead to civil prosecution.

The spirit of anti-government protest is spilling over into the soccer scene there as allegations of embezzlement against the president of the Algerian Football Federation, Mohammed Raouraoua, are raised.

The Radiolab podcast has an audio essay called “the Loneliness of the Goalkeeper.” I think you’ll like it.

Img via SpiritUnited.org