With one more day before the start of the 2013 season, manager John Hackworth and his staff continued to tweak the roster.
Expect more moves to be announced in the aftermath Friday’s MLS roster compliance deadline. The two most recent was that forward Chandler Hoffman was traded to Los Angeles today for a conditional pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. The club also parted ways with goalkeeper Chase Harrison.
So exactly what’s meant by conditional in Hoffman's case?
Essentially, Philadelphia grabs a selection from Los Angeles in next year’s draft but the placement of it will be determined by how many games Hoffman plays in a Galaxy uniform. Without getting into specifics, the more appearances in all competitions from Hoffman, the more favorable of a spot the Union will receive come draft time from the deal. Hackworth had this to say:
“Chandler and I had an honest conversation about where he stood and we decided that this trade gives him an opportunity that he would not have had within our team this season. Our organization thinks very highly of Chandler, both on and off the field, and we wish him the best of luck as he continues to develop in his career.”
Moving on…
The Union held its final practice before tomorrow’s First Kick (4 p.m., purchase tickets) at PPL Park this morning, giving the technical staff one vital last look. Sporting Kansas City is in town and head coach Peter Vermes and his group trained at PPL Park earlier this afternoon as well. It was a roster devoid of midfielder Roger Espinoza and Kei Kamara, both of which joined clubs in the English Premier League.
The loss of Espinoza and Kamara made Union writer Kevin Kinkead wonder what exactly the makeup of the defending Eastern Conference champions look like this season.
It’s a solid read with some good quotes from coach Hack.
Speaking of the Union manager…
You can catch John Hackworth on Comcast SportsNet’s “Daily News Live” at 5:45 p.m. today talking with host Michael Barkann and other panelists, one of which will be Daily News sports writer Ed Barkowitz.
The Sons of Ben have been busy this week, getting ink in the Inquirer, creating tifos, showing off banners and ensuring that its new shipping container behind the stadium is up to par. Today, the group posted a sneak preview of some stuff they’ve been working on via social today:
Lastly…
Just a reminder that parking lots open at 11 a.m. tomorrow and that lots A, B, C, D located around the stadium grounds are approved PPL Park lots.
Check out this fantastic piece from MLSSoccer.com's Dave Zeitlin who provides an insider's look at between defender Jeff Parke and the longtime relationship between defender Chris Albright and Union assistant Jim Curtin.
We want to know WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR. At every home match this season, take your copy of the “Inside the Net” program, write in your answer on the contest page and take a photo with your smart phone. Submit your photo via Instagram by including @PhiladelphiaUnionMLS, #ISTANDFOR. Winners will be featured in the next installment of the Daily Doop, with instructions on how to claim your prize.
Can’t wait to hear the roar of our fans and see that smoke billow from the River End.
Tomorrow is a big day for all of us.
Contact Union writer Kerith Gabriel at kgabriel@philadelphiaunion.com
