File Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz
Philadelphia Union
Peter Nowak answered questions from reporters via tele-conference on Thursday on the club’s recent signings. See our report, published on Thursday night, for an overview of what was discussed. Also, look for a second report from the press conference later this morning for more quotes and analysis, particularly in regards to how the team plan to handle the number of internationals now on the roster and the status of Keon Daniel.
Tropigoal writes, “Nowak said that [Porfirio] Lopez was versatile because he can play a few positions, including central defender on the left side.”
Kerith Gabriel points out that, when it comes to the number of international players the Union currently have on the roster, “keep in mind draft picks make ideal bargaining chips.” He then quotes Nowak as saying, “We believe the draft is not as strong as it was a few years ago, so we have to look at what’s available. We are going to do what is going to be the best for us, and with these signings we can be more selective . . . Our priority when we sat down after the season was what exactly do we need, and we have to address those issues by getting the players with enough quality and enough experience to fit in our team.”
Marc Narducci underscores the possibility that the team may trade draft picks for further international slots. The SuperDraft will take place on January 12.
Dave Zeitlin writes at MLSsoccer.com that Nowak did not seem overly concerned about the international slot issue. Nowak said, “Roster compliance is March 1 and we’ll worry about it closer to that date. As of now, it is what it is. We’re going to try to make it work.”
Nowak used Twitter before the press conference to address the international slots issue when he answered a question from a fan:
Question from @barbcvphilly: “@PhilaUnion @Peter_Nowak what are you guys doing about the surplus of internationals? Loving all the signings, just cautiously excited!”
Reply from Nowak: “@barbcvphilly it’s always something to worry about in this business, isn’t it ? :-)”
SBI on the final scrimmage at the USMNT U-23 camp: “Amobi Okugo delivered a strong performance as captain of the Blue Team…Freddy Adu failed to make much of an impact…the save of the match came from Zac MacMath in the second half when he denied an opportunity with a quick reaction.”
Local
Here’s an offseason update with Jeritt Thayer of the Harrisburg City Islanders.
Penn players received ECAC All-Star recognition on Wednesday. From the men’s team, Midfielder Christian Barreiro was named first-team ECAC All-Star while defender Thomas Brandt was a second-team ECAC All-Star selection. From the women’s team, Penn senior defender Adrienne Lerner was recognized with second-team honors.
MLS
Goal.com looks at some league-wide issues that need to be addressed heading in to the 2012 season.
RSL Soapbox continues its look at the changes coming to MLS in 2012.
Goal.com says a difficult offseason “threatens to end LA Galaxy’s rein of supremacy.” When did one championship in a row become a rein?
New rumors suggest (again) that Ronaldinho could be heading for LA. Apparently he hasn’t been paid for a while in Brazil.
WPS
Atlanta Beat have signed former Philadelphia Independence midfielder and defender Lauren Fowlkes.
US
Jurgen Klinsmann has named 20 players to the January training camp and the friendlies against Venezuela (Jan. 21) and Panama (Jan, 25). On the roster are 18 players from 12 MLS clubs.
The voting is open on the US Soccer Facebook page for a variety of Best of 2011 categories including Male and Female Athlete of the Year.
Josh Hakala, editor of the official US Open Cup website, explains the how the controversial US Open Cup hosting bidding process works.
The US soccer history preservation company Stryker Indigo has uncovered extremely rare 16mm film footage of the 1959 Pan American Games which includes the USA’s 5–3 win over Brazil.
Some in Germany are calling Jermaine Jones the nastiest player in the Bundesliga after an incident in a German Cup game on Wednesday. Jones is under investigation by the league for the incident, which was not seen by the ref, in which he appeared to intentionally step on the foot of a player who was wearing a specially designed shoe because he is playing with two broken toes. Jones was later ejected from the game for an unrelated incident.
Elsewhere
The red card given to AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban after he defended himself when attacked by a fan who ran on to the pitch during a Dutch Cup match against Ajax on Wednesday has been rescinded.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are likely to meet in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey following Friday’s draw for the final 16.
Former Reading United and current SKC forward CJ Sapong was selected to join the USMNT camp in January. 18 months ago, CJ was on a field in Reading with other pro prospects like Matt Hedges, Billy Schuler, Andrew Wenger, Levi Houpeau & Corey Hertzog. All of these talented players are or will be playing at the next level in MLS or in Europe. Very good soccer is being played just an hour away from PPL Park on summer nights on the plastic pitch of Don Thomas Stadium. I encourage everyone that reads this blog to make the short road trip to Reading and catch what will be another United team stacked with future professional and national team prospects.