Articles written by: Tim Jones

Still learning soccer after nearly five decades. A southwestern Ohio buckeye transplanted to Chester County. Used to teach history, enjoys new ideas, sometimes bakes bread, is a sports fan, and loves apparently unconnected connections.

Analysis

With more games ahead, the Union’s 2023 schedule will be packed

Tim Jones explores how playing three in-season tournaments within MLS’s 34-game’s schedule will create a sustained, Europe-like frequency of play the Union have never before faced.

Analysis

What might Ernst Tanner do this offseason?

After the end-of-season press conference, Tim Jones analyzes how the sporting director might fill out next year’s roster.

Commentary / Roster News

End-of-season roster turnover sees some longtime players depart

Cory Burke, Paxten Aaronson, and Cole Turner have left the Union. Tim Jones looks at how the moves fit into the organization’s history and pipeline.

Union Academy

The other Keystone Sports playoff team

The Union Development Squad, the Academy’s oldest team, has made its UPSL conference’s qualifiers and is on the road towards the national playoffs.

Analysis

2023’s contract status, expansion draft, and free agency

Tim Jones assesses how the Union might address the expansion draft, who the free agents are, and the first-team contract situations.

Analysis

MLS Cup opponents couldn’t have been built more differently

The Union and LAFC exemplify vastly different approaches to roster building, as Tim Jones explores.

Philadelphia Union II

A look at Union II’s second post-season friendly

Tim Jones watched Union II’s second post season friendly Wednesday and shares his thoughts on what he saw.

Commentary

Union II’s first 2022 post-season friendly

Tim Jones presents the data available about Philadelphia Union II’s first post-season friendly, a 3-2 win at home.

Commentary

Union II end-of-season roster review: Second-teamers

Tim Jones concludes the end-of-season Union II roster discussion by considering the second-team professionals.

Commentary

Union II end-of-season roster review: Amateurs

Tim Jones discusses the amateurs at the older end of the Union organization’s developmental pipeline.