Philadelphia Union

Are the Union shopping Danny Mwanga, as was reported by Ives Galarcep on Wednesday? “For the record we are not shopping Danny Mwanga,” Diego Gutierrez tells Kerith Gabriel. “A lot of teams are finding themselves in a tough spot in the market and are looking within the league to supplement. It just so happens that Danny is a guy with a bright future…Do we take calls about Danny? Sure we take calls about Danny all the time, but he’s our asset.”

John Hackworth adds, “Unless a team offered us $1 million and their first-round pick, Danny isn’t going anywhere.”

Who tops ESPN’s list of winners at the MLS SuperDraft? The Philadelphia Union does. “In the team’s short history, Philadelphia has managed to put together solid outings on draft day. This year was no different, as the team landed three players who can contribute.”

Dan PSP writes that the “Union do it again.”

Opposing Views also praises the Union’s selections, noting “the Union were the only team to add a player to each of their outfield lines, adding depth to an already solid squad.”

MLSsoccer.com gives the Union a 7 for their draft.

How does Hackworth describe the Union’s day at the draft? “I think it was exceptional. We got probably one of the best attacking players in the country, a hard-working midfielder, and cover in the back that we needed.”

Peter Nowak describes his reaction to Chandler Hoffman being available for the Union to select. “I was very surprised. Chandler was the best option available. We didn’t hesitate. And we have another young forward to develop. Especially with being Generation adidas, we have the time to make it work.”

Hackworth says the circumstances of getting Hoffman was reminiscent of the Union getting Michael Farfan. “It’s very similar and pretty surprising. But good for us, right? We get one of the best young attacking players in the country, someone that’s proven to put the ball into the back of the net. There’s nothing more valuable in all of soccer.”

Alexi Lalas says of the the Union’s first pick Chandler Hoffman, “I think he has one of the best personalities in the draft. He has the ability to sell himself and to sell the game. These things are important.”

The Kansas City Star says of Hoffman, “While not in need of another striker with Sebastien Le Toux and Danny Mwanga leading the line, the Union couldn’t let a natural-born goalscorer slip past them.”

Hoffman knows Amobi Okugo and Kyle Nakazawa from when they were at UCLA. “I am very excited to get into the preseason, especially knowing those guys it definitely brings about a comfort level that I am very excited about,” says Hoffman.

CSN Philly says of Union second pick Greg Jordan “is known for his good passing vision, work ethic and consistent motor. You can’t go wrong with the hard-hat type, but with Amobi Okugo, Brian Carroll and off-season pick-up Gabriel Gomez, the Union are loaded at defensive mid.”

John Hackworth says of Raymon Gaddis, “He’s a guy I looked at for the national team back in the day, and I feel that had it not been for his injury, he would have been one of the top defenders in the draft. He’s a kid I expect will come in and push Sheanon [Williams] at the right back position.”

Gaddis’ coach at WVU, Marlon LeBlanc, is full of pride and praise for the Union’s third pick and notes that, in addition to his accomplishments on the pitch, he “graduated in three and a half years with over a 3.0 GPA.”

The WVU Sports Blog says of Gaddis, “Every time I saw WVU play the past two years, I was impressed with Gaddis.”

Union affiliate Reading United once again sees multiple alumni selected in the draft, including first pick Andrew Wenger and the Union’s Raymon Gaddis. That is one well put together organization – we salute you.

Union Dues looks at the Union’s picks.

According to Goal.com, unnamed sources “in the Philadelphia Union” say “there is a possibility that the Adu could join Rayo Vallecano on a short-term loan.” But Adu’s agent, Richard Motzkin, “denies that Rayo has expressed an interest to loan his client, telling Goal.com that the reports are ‘not accurate.'”

WPS

You can watch today’s WPS Draft live from 2pm.

You can view the draft order here.

Mike PSP talked to Independence coach Paul Riley about what the team will be looking for in the draft. Here’s what Riley had to say.

The league website have goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards previews of this year’s draft class.

MLS

SI has five thoughts on the SuperDraft.

Goal.com looks at the big storylines from the SuperDraft.

MLSsoccer.com has an interesting look at the draft by the numbers.

Prost Amerika explains why a upcoming rule change in the Italian reserve league could mean more young Italian players coming to MLS.

Robbie Keane, who will play his first game for Aston Villa against Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan’s Everton on Saturday, says he has no plans to return to England permanently. “No, I’m quite happy in the MLS, I’ve really enjoyed the three months I’ve had there. It’s nice to have both. I’m happy to come back here for a couple of months then look forward to getting back with the Galaxy.”

FC Dallas defender George John is going on loan to West Ham.

A day after the announcement of changes to the US Open Cup format, the CONCACAF Champions League announces some changes of its own.

Local

The Harrisburg City Islanders 2012 schedule is now available. The team starts with two games on the road before their home opener against Charlotte on May 4.

US

The Washington Post reports that the USMNT could play Brazil on May 30 or 31 in Washington or Boston.

MLS Talk explains why the new format changes will save the US Open Cup.

Grant Wahl says Alex Morgan is still not ready to be a starter for the USWNT.

Elsewhere

The Daily Telegraph reports that a challenge from UEFA president Michel Platini could force Sepp Blatter out of the FIFA presidency before the end of the Year.

More fun from the ever-entertaining Mario Balotelli.