Photo: Garen Meguerian

Philadelphia Union

Looking ahead to Montreal, where the talk is now apparently about the Supporters Shield, head coach Marco Schällibaum says, “It won’t be easy this weekend against Philadelphia.”

Not much more to report. Look for news out of John Hackworth’s weekly press conference later today. Of particular interest will be the injury status of Keon Daniel and Ray Gaddis.

In naming New England head coach Jay Heaps the coach of it’s Team of the Week, MLSsoccer.com writes, “Heaps’ trust in his young players paid off big time in their rout of Philadelphia, and he and the team did very well to press the tactical advantage that an injury to the Union’s Keon Daniel afforded them.”

Needless to say, no Union players made the Castrol Index Top 20 Performers list this week. The top five Union players in the Full Castol Index are Jack McInerney (No. 6), Conor Casey (No. 18), Zac MacMath (No. 36), Sebastien Le Toux (No. 44), and Amobi Okugo (No. 52).

In MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings, the Union tumble three spots to No. 13.

Local

September’s Socially Conscious Philadelphia happy hour will be in support of the Starfinder Foundation. The $10 admission will directly support Starfinder’s Pathway to College Program.

Look for the start of our local Division III men’s college soccer coverage later this morning.

MLS

At SI, Grant Wahl reports that the LA Galaxy will announce today the signing of Landon Donovan to a new multi-year contract. Also at SI, Brian Straus says the news means that Donovan is staying where he belongs.

The LA Times reports, “Terms of Donovan’s new deal were not disclosed, but it is likely to include a base salary comparable to what the Sounders are paying Dempsey.”

Following Sunday’s big match with Seattle, Portland center back Pa Modou Kah said of Clint Dempsey, “He’s the best player in MLS?  If he’s the best … I’ve seen much, much better in Europe.” He added, “If he was so good, he would still be with Tottenham.”

In CONCACAF Champions League play, Houston defeated Panamanian club Árabe Unido 2-1 and were apparently none too pleased with the officiating and antics of their opponent. The Dynamo’s Cam Weaver scored both of his team’s goals. Down in Honduras, Kansas City topped CD Olimpia 2-0.

After talking with Thierry Henry, Manchester City’s Gael Clichy tells Goal.com that he’d be open to a move to MLS someday. “He says he loves New York and says MLS is getting bigger each year. It makes you think that if the opportunity comes, why not try MLS?… Nothing is sure, but why not? If the opportunity comes for any player to play in the U.S., of course I’d take it. It’s a nice thing and you can see big players going there and enjoying it because the football is getting better each year.”

Speaking of Manchester City, the NYC FC co-owners have denied reports that they are interested in buying the A- League’s Western Sydney Wanderers.

David Beckham trained with the Galaxy on Tuesday. How nice.

Critics are saying an offer by the New York Cosmos to run soccer clinics in Queens is just a ploy to gain support for their stadium proposal. And?

NWSL

Lauren Holiday nee Cheyney has been named league MVP.

US

According to Columbus Crew blog The Massive Report, “American Outlaws leadership and the Seattle chapter collaborated and decided to use Seattle based capos for every USMNT match no matter what city it’s being played in.” Goal.com reports, “The United States Soccer Federation and the American Outlaws supporters group will put the fan group’s Seattle chapter in charge of all game day operations for all U.S. men’s national team games…Leaders from the Seattle chapter will reportedly be in charge of organizing the songs and chants in the official USA supporters section, and their expenses will be covered by U.S. Soccer.”

The reports suggest the poor showing by organized support at the recent qualifier in Salt Lake City prompted the decision to

Jozy Altidore scored his first goal for Sunderland on Tuesday in the 3-2 win over third division MK Dons in League Cup play. He also assisted the game winner.

Soccer America says Jurgen Klinsmann’s midfield options have improved considerably following the Gold Cup.

The Guardian has an entertaining conversation with Kasey Keller.

Elsewhere

The Press Association reports, “Fenerbahce have been excluded from European competition for the next two years after losing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) against a Uefa sanction for match-fixing.”