MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Train Ahead of Friendly Match vs. Club Universidad Nacional A.C.

Published on March 18, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


Chester, Pa. (March 17, 2013) - Philadelphia Union train this week ahead of their first friendly match of the year, a 5:00 p.m. contest against Mexico's Club Universidad Nacional, A.C., more commonly called the Pumas, this Saturday at PPL Park.

The team will practice from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. at Rhodes Field at the University of Pennsylvania and at PPL Park on Friday.

The Union's weekly radio program, "The 90th Minute," on CBS Sports Radio 610 will host its second show of the year on Tuesday, March 19 at Chickie's and Pete's in Northeast Philadelphia. The show, hosted by veteran television personality and current Union executive Carl Cherkin, Philadelphiaunion.com editor Kerith Gabriel and Union defender Chris Albright, will feature Union midfielder Amobi Okugo as a guest this week.

The Union successfully launched their inaugural "Cocktails and Cleats" gala on Wednesday, as over 450 people were in attendance inside the Hyatt at the Bellevue, including the players and coaching staff. Other notables in attendance, in an effort to raise funds to benefit the lives of the children in Chester through soccer, included ESPN and former Union analyst Taylor Twellman, as well as former Union player and current Union broadcaster Alejandro Moreno. The event honored Chester humanitarian Pat Trippley-DeMiranda and the work she's done in the community since the 2004 death of her son, Will Trippley III.

Philadelphia Union announced this week that Tommy Wilson, one of the world's leading experts in youth soccer development and coaching, has been hired as Philadelphia Union Academy Director. Wilson most recently served as Rangers FC Academy Technical Director and Reserve Team Coach, and was formerly Head of Coaching and Education for the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

The club also announced this week that three-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Mitts will be serving as a Pre Game and Sideline Reporter for the Union's locally produced television broadcasts as well as a soccer ambassador for the club. Mitts, who recently announced her retirement from the U.S. Women's National Team and professional soccer, began her work on Saturday when the Union hosted the New England Revolution.

Two Union players will travel to join their respective national teams this week, as midfielder Keon Daniel (Trinidad and Tobago) and defender Bakary Soumare (Mali) have been called up to international duties. Daniel and his squad will take part in two friendlies - Belize on March 22 in Trinidad and Tobago and at Peru against the Peruvian national squad March 26 - while Soumare will participate in a 2014 World Cup Qualifying match against Rwanda March 22.

Philadelphia Union are coming off a 1-0 victory against New England Revolution, their first home win of the year. On a cold and wet night at PPL Park, the Union were propelled in the 76th minute on a goal from Jack McInerney, assisted by Sebastien Le Toux on a corner kick. McInerney, who also scored the game winner against Colorado in the previous week, pounced on a ball inside the 18 to put it past New England goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.

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