The Philadelphia Union is on a five-game undefeated streak with three wins in a row, enough to turnaround an MLS season by week 12. The Union was the poster child for troubled clubs early on, with predictions of a coaching change and questions over the scope of the team. Fair enough considering the results. Philadelphia didn't pick up a point until their fifth game.
Now, the Union aren't just winning. They're winning big against Eastern Conference rivals. They beat the Red Bulls 3-0 and DC United 4-0, sending a message that they won't be shipping points while staving off crisis talks. On Wednesday, they picked up three points in another shutout, this time at the expense of Western Conference club Houston.
"We have to work hard to set ourselves up to be able to get through these Wednesday games," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "I know, like I said in the midweek, and I said it with a smile, I’m not saying it be a condescending jerk, but if we would have went out tonight and I kept the lineup the same and we would have lost, there would’ve been criticism. The only thing that keeps it quiet is if we win and our guys did that tonight. They came out and did a good job. If I would have juggled things, it would’ve been “How could you change a team that won 4-0?” You’re not going to win in those regards, but your players that you trust to go out on the field and execute and they did it. So I’m really proud of them for that and it will be a quick turnaround now going into Colorado, a team that’s hungry."
All of those points and all of those goals has the Union in 7th-place, three points behind the Red Bulls with a game in hand. A quick look at the table also shows Philadelphia is only three points off the bottom. Fair enough, but consider where this team was. Not so long ago, there was every indication that no other team in the East should worry too much about finishing last. That spot belonged to the Union. Now, they've pushed other teams into that uncomfortable position of wondering how and if the points will come.
CBS8.com explains the issues with San Diego's proposed Soccer City project in an attempt to get an MLS expansion team. The South Florida Business Journal's Brian Bandell has an update on the David Beckham group's latest plan to build a soccer stadium in Miami. The Washington Post's Steven Goff on an Open Cup upset.
The Independent's Miguel Delaney ranks the top finales for the Premier League. AP reports that the captains of the Dutch clubs are pushing for no more artificial turf in the Eredivisie.
All links are provided as a courtesy. US Soccer Players nor its authors are responsible for the content of third-party links or sites. For comments, questions, and concerns please contact us at editor@usnstpa.com
