Hey fans, happy Thursday.
The team returned to training today after a rest day to prepare for Saturday’s showdown with rival D.C. United (8 p.m., purchase tickets). It was also the first time anyone heard from Union manager John Hackworth since last Saturday’s upsetting 2-1 loss to a new-look Chicago Fire.
Hack discussed that and more in his weekly press conference which you can watch here.
Here’s what else we had brewing on philadelphiaunion.com today.
1. Jekyll and Hyde. That’s what Union writer Kevin Kinkead (@philUnionKevinK) used to describe United, a team that has more wins in U.S. Open Cup play than they do in the league. Taking a deeper look at United’s woes, Kinkead found that at a lot of D.C.’s recent transactions and a younger team could be the cause of what clearly looks to be a rebuilding year for head coach Ben Olsen. Read more.
2. Lahoud’s battle. Speaking of rebuilding, Union midfielder Michael Lahoud (@mikelahoud) caught up with writer Andy Jasner (@andyjasner)and talked about how a rehab stint following hernia surgery not just made him a stronger player physically, but stronger mentally as he looks to once again compete for playing time and be an integral part of Philadelphia’s run at the MLS postseason. Read more.
3. Ale’s all over. Next week ESPN will launch ESPNFC TV, a six-day a week show dedicated to the beautiful game. And along with his many other responsibilities, Alejandro Moreno (@15AleMoreno) former Union forward, current Union analyst, color commentator and host of the latest web series on philadelphiaunion.com “The Tape Room,” will lend his expertise to ESPN’s latest venture. Kinkead, who sat in on ESPN’s plans around the new show, puts it in perspective and gets Moreno’s take as well. Read more.
4. Mic’d up. To provide that insider’s edge our video department has taken to putting microphones on players. The latest recipient was Union captain Brian Carroll and Carroll’s segment will air on a future episode of Comcast SportsNet’s “State of the Union.” But they’d love to know…who would you like to see? Drop us a line in the comments below on which player you’d enjoy hearing over the course of 90 minutes.
5. Couple of announcements. Moreno and play-by-play announcer JP Dellacamera are off this Saturday as NBC Sports Network will broadcast this one from under the lights at PPL Park beginning at 8 p.m. NBC’s John Strong (@StrongMLS) and Russ Thayer have the call with analyst Kyle Martino (@kylemartino) roaming the sidelines…For those planning on checking out next week’s installment of the Union’s one-hour radio show “The 90th Minute,” the show sponsored by Farmers Insurance will return to the Chickie’s and Pete’s in Drexel Hill for one week before a return to South Philadelphia…don’t forget to check out the third Union Day which will be in South Philly this weekend at the Capitolo Playground (9th and Passyunk Sts.).
Catch you all tomorrow.
Contact Union writer Kerith Gabriel at kgabriel@philadelphiaunion.com
