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Brotherly Game Daily Links: Messi wins his second Men’s FIFA Player of the Year award 28 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

MLS Season Pass review, Jurgen Klinsmann back with a national team job, and more in today’s links

MLS News

Seattle turn back the clock, Cincy’s early Shield vibes & more from Matchday 1
Season number 28 of MLS kicked off this weekend, and technically will still be kicking off on Monday night, long after you’ve read this since Mother Nature decided to give the whole west coast a reminder of who’s in charge.

LA Galaxy add defender Lucas Calegari on loan
Calegari, 20, has spent his entire pro career to date at Fluminense, making his debut in Aug. 2020. He’s made 84 appearances since then across all competitions, including both the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores. He’s also played once for the Brazil U-17 national team.

Diego Rubio out 2-5 Weeks After Right Knee Surgery
The surgery was an arthroscopic procedure to remove a loose body in his right knee.

MLS Season Pass coverage review: Week one first impressions
It was a tiny microcosm of what is going to be a long MLS season. However, we got enough of a glimpse from opening weekend to see what MLS Season Pass is like, what can be improved, and what we find frustrating.

Rest of the World News

Lionel Messi beats Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema to Best FIFA Men’s Player award
Monday’s award was Messi’s second FIFA The Best title, his first coming in 2019. He has also won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards.

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas beats Beth Mead, Alex Morgan to win FIFA’s The Best Women’s Player
During that time, Putellas captained Barca to a third successive Primera Division title. The Catalan side made history by winning all 30 of their league games throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

Former USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann named new South Korea manager
Klinsmann returns to management three years after leaving Hertha Berlin following a short-lived 10-week spell in the hot seat.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union thump Crew; Curtin calls out anonymous “doubters” 27 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

Apple TV has great first week of MLS, Lorenzo Insigne suffers leg injury, and more in today’s links

Philadelphia Union News

Carranza, Gazdag net braces as Union rip Crew apart in second half
Philadelphia Union’s attack came alive in the second half behind two goals apiece from Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza as they knocked off Columbus Crew 4-1. Joaquin Torres provided a stunning assist for the final goal as Philly powered their way back into the match after falling behind early.

Union Takeaways: Julián Carranza’s first goal vs. Columbus was as special as his second
The theme of the night was whether the Union would respond to the anonymous GM who bashed the team’s playing style. Carranza is one of the players with the skill to give the best kind of answer.

MLS Cup favorites? Philadelphia Union make statement to “doubter”
“Anonymous quotes are for cowards,” Curtin said when asked about an unnamed league executive who attacked the Union this week in an article for the The Athletic.

MLS News

The 2023 season is off and running! So, what did we learn?
When MLS reintroduces itself, it writes its name on a frying pan and smacks you over the head with it.

Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne exits season opener vs. D.C. United with apparent leg injury
While extending his left leg to make contact in the 31st minute, Insigne looked to have over-extended it and sustained a non-contact injury.

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV shows everyone else how to stream sports
And this much was clear in the first few minutes of the opening weekend of the 2023 MLS season — and the inaugural run for MLS Season Pass: Apple absolutely nailed its implementation of a streaming sports package.

Rest of the World News

Man United beat Newcastle to win Carabao Cup, end six-year trophy drought
United last won a major trophy in their 2017 Europa League campaign, but looked comfortable in their display against Eddie Howe’s side as Casemiro’s header and a Marcus Rashford goal gave Newcastle too much to overcome in their first League Cup final appearance since 1976.

Brotherly Game’s new home is on Philadelphia Soccer Now 25 Feb 2023 1:09 PM (2 years ago)

New site will also host Brotherly Game archive

A new season begins in Major League Soccer today and a new chapter is also beginning for Brotherly Game.

We are taking our Philadelphia Union content to a new site called Philadelphia Soccer Now that is partnered with Pittsburgh Soccer Now and the Now network of websites.

This moves comes in the aftermath of Vox Media’s decision to de-monetize a host of MLS and NHL websites.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the numerous content creators impacted by the decision.

While the new site name and domain will not be Brotherly Game, we are keeping the brand for our Union coverage and hope to expand our other coverage of soccer in the region. The staff is basically unchanged and we’ve brought on some new contributors.

If you would like to join the team or want to support the site, please email matthew.r.ralph@gmail.com.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: The Union return to action with their first game of 2023 25 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

Montreal sends Kei Kamara to Chicago, Galaxy/LAFC Rose Bowl game postponed, and more in today’s links

Philadelphia Union News

Jim Curtin on MLS Cup loss, playoffs and future of USMNT
Tonight, Curtin is parked at the bar at the Sheraton, where he’s agreed to an hour-long sitdown over a few drinks.

The Union will be tested in their season opener — and fueled by criticism from a rival GM
In an anonymous survey of MLS team executives by The Athletic, one respondent had some harsh criticism of the Union’s success.

MLS News

Matchday 1 means MLS is Back! How to watch & what to know
The waiting period is over. MLS is Back, starting with 11 Matchday 1 games on Saturday.

CF Montreal ships Kei Kamara to Fire
In return, CFM receives up to $400,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.

LA Galaxy vs. LAFC El Trafico at Rose Bowl postponed due to severe weather
The news follows a previous weather-related MLS opening-weekend postponement of Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City. That match has been rescheduled for Monday.

LA Galaxy move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos after proposed loan to Palmeiras collapses
Palmeiras could not agree to Chelsea’s demands which included the midfielder’s release for the U-20 World Cup and also his return to England on July 1.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Know Your Enemy: Columbus Crew 24 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

Columbus to be without starting goalkeeper for Union game, Ernst Tanner turns down US Soccer, and more in today’s links

Philadelphia Union News

Know Your Enemy | Union open 2023 against Columbus Crew on Saturday
After revitalizing CF Montreal, Nancy arrives to help inject a style of play into the Crew DNA. Columbus’ General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko built a juggernaut in Toronto with a team of stars surrounded by emerging young talent, and he wants to replicate that success in Ohio.

An analysis of the Union’s roster at the start of the 2023 season
Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Dániel Gazdag and Mikael Uhre help form the core of a team that is once again among Major League Soccer’s elite.

Joaquín Torres goes from foe to friend in move from Montreal to Union
Montreal, led by Torres, chased the Union all of last season in the Eastern Conference, so the Union brass knew his quality and didn’t hesitate to bring him in.

Explaining why the Crew will be without Eloy Room vs. the Philadelphia Union
The reason Room won’t start for the Crew on Saturday is due to missing training the last week as he returned home to finish the process of getting his green card.

MLS News

Ranking all 29 MLS teams by tier for 2023
What follows are not hard-and-fast Power Rankings, per se, but rather something a little looser in terms of talent level, cohesion, chemistry and all the et ceteras that make teams tick (or not).

Nashville SC gives coach Gary Smith contract extension through 2025
Smith has been the club’s coach since the team’s USL days and through all three MLS seasons. Nashville SC has a 38-23-29 record in MLS under Smith’s guidance.

MLS executives make picks for MLS Cup winner and offer Leagues Cup, playoff format thoughts
In exchange for their candor, executives were granted full anonymity. None were allowed to vote for their club or anyone associated with it.

US Soccer News

Ernst Tanner declined to pursue U.S. Soccer sporting director job
Tanner, one source said, came highly recommended by Earnie Stewart, the federation’s previous sporting director and Tanner’s predecessor at the Union. U.S. Soccer declined to comment in regard to the still-ongoing sporting director search.

USWNT to play Ireland in two April friendlies
Ireland currently ranks 23rd in the FIFA World Rankings, with their most recent match against the USWNT coming in August 2019.

Rest of the World News

Europa League knockout round play-off second legs: Man United, Leverkusen, Roma, Sporting through
Leverkusen and Shakhtar won on penalties and Roma overturned a first-leg deficit while Sporting CP and Juventus earned big away wins in the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off deciders.

Europa Conference League knockout round play-off second legs: Anderlecht and Gent through on penalties
Belgian pair Anderlecht and Gent won on penalties to reach the round of 16 while Fiorentina were in the goals again.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Curtin holds first weekly press conference of 2023 season 23 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

MLS extends contract with Adidas, Kansas City signs Vermes to new contract, and more in today’s links

Philadelphia Union News

Pressing Points | New Year, Bigger Ambitions
Ahead of the start of the season, Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke with the media on Wednesday and talked about kicking of a new campaign and how the club is handling the outside noise associated with being one of the favorites for MLS Cup.

The Union have rarely had must-watch players. Jack McGlynn is one right now.
Scouts, opposing coaches, and the U.S. national team program have seen him coming for a while. This season, the 19-year-old midfielder is set to truly break through.

MLS News

Adidas, Major League Soccer Extend Contract Until 2030
CNBC reports that the deal is worth $830 million US, representing the Germany-based sportswear company’s largest-ever investment in North American soccer.

Peter Vermes signs extension with Sporting KC — after declining interview with USMNT
Vermes has signed a five-year contract extension to remain the manager and sporting director of Sporting KC. He had previously been set to enter the final year of his contract in the 2023 season.

Austin FC give midfielder Diego Fagúndez contract extension
Last year, Fagúndez’s 15 assists were the second-most in MLS as Austin reached the Western Conference Final as a second-year club. He also scored six goals, including two from direct free kicks.

MLS hopes to announce league’s 30th team by end of 2023, commissioner says
The most likely cities for an MLS expansion team are Las Vegas and San Diego, Garber said.

Rest of the World News

Manchester City fail to beat RB Leipzig; Romelu Lukaku saves Inter against Porto
City took the lead through Riyad Mahrez in the first half, only to see Josko Gvardiol equalize in the second half with a header off a short corner. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score the winner for the Italian giants in the 86th minute, who are now one step closer to a spot in the quarterfinals.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Mikael Uhre’s 2023 goal, 20 MLS goals 22 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

Union announce new radio partnership with 97.5 The Fanatic, Nelson Pierre signs first team contract, and more in today’s links

Philadelphia Union News

Philadelphia Union Sign Academy Product Nelson Pierre
Pierre, 17, made 20 appearances (seven starts) for Philadelphia Union II, Union’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, in their inaugural season. In that time, Pierre scored five goals, including a brace in a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF II. He made his MLS NEXT Pro debut on March 27, 2022, where he registered three shots against FC Cincinnati 2.

Union Announce 97.5 The Fanatic As Official Radio Broadcast Partner
The first live broadcast, which will be led by Dave Leno and Sheanon Williams, is scheduled for February 25, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Philadelphia Union will take on Columbus Crew in their season and home opener.

Union and PHL17 Partner To Air New Weekly Show, Union Insider
Beginning February 23, Union Insider will air every week, providing engaging conversations and analysis, updates from first team training, as well as long-form features and in-depth player profiles. The show will also provide fans with upcoming match previews and behind-the-scenes access to the team, including exclusive interviews.

Mikael Uhre aims for a 20-goal season in his second year with the Union
After scoring 13 goals in his first season with the Union, the team’s biggest striker signing aims to take his game to another level this year.

MLS News

MLS announces new playoff format for 2023 season
Building on the popular single-elimination format, the 2023 MLS postseason will see the addition of a pair of single-elimination MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card matches ahead of an enhanced Round One, which now includes a Best-of-3 series.

MLS Power Rankings: Where is your team before the 2023 MLS season?
The Union enter the year at number one in the MLS Power Rankings.

Rest of the World News

Real Madrid stun Liverpool with five goal blitz, Napoli cruise over Frankfurt
Liverpool went up two goals early before Real Madrid kicked into high gear.

Brotherly Game Daily Links: LA Galaxy sign Tyler Boyd 21 Feb 2023 6:00 AM (2 years ago)

Two giant English clubs look to secure more funding, multiple MLS transactions, and more in today’s links

MLS News

Galaxy sign midfielder Tyler Boyd to 1-year contract
The 28-year-old winger most recently played four seasons (2019-22) for Beşiktaş J.K. in the Turkish Super Lig. He had four goals and one assist in 35 matches, including 25 starts.

Whitecaps announce signing of Venezuelan striker Sergio Córdova
Córdova, who spent last season on loan with Real Salt Lake, has signed a three-year contract with the Whitecaps, with a club option for 2026. Nicknamed “La Pantera,” the 6-foot-2 forward led Real Salt Lake in goals last year, scoring nine times in 33 appearances.

Toronto FC acquires midfielder Brandon Servania in trade with FC Dallas
Born in Birmingham, AL, Servania has played for FC Dallas since 2015 and became a senior member of the club at the beginning of the 2018 season. Servania has made 74 appearances for his club in all competitions and carried with him five goals and seven assists.

Real Salt Lake acquire midfielder ​​Moses Nyeman on loan
In October 2019, Nyeman became D.C. United’s second-youngest signing ever (15 years old). He tallied three assists across 32 games (17 starts) before his transfer abroad.

Rest of the World News

Liverpool owner John Henry rules out club sale; instead seeking investment
After FSG’s initial statement, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said there was no urgency to complete any potential deal.

Glazer family offered backing by U.S. hedge fund to remain Man United owners
British businessperson Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of chemicals company INEOS, and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank, both submitted sealed bids to buy United ahead of last Friday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline for offers to be registered with Raine.