Robert Pires, In Search Of A 'Belle Ville'
by No Author Listed (Profile/Interview | Soccer America - May 21)
Former French World Cup champion Robert Pires has told lequipe.fr that he turned down an offer from MLS's Philadelphia Union, saying he didn't want to be difficult but he'd prefer to play in a "beautiful city." And what is his idea of a "beautiful city"? more details | go to article

MLS: Parity Above All Else
by Frank Dell'Apa (Analysis | Boston Globe - March 26)
The MLS is on the way to accomplishing two of its goals: parity and soccer-specific stadiums for all. more details | go to article

Red Bull Arena Opening To Little Fanfare
by Steve Davis (Commentary | ESPN - February 21)
The most important soccer stadium opening in the United States since the Home Depot Center is nearly upon us, so the enthusiasts and the stadium nerds among us should be shaking in excitement. more details | go to article

Union To Play Two Exhibitions In Florida
by Marc Narducci (Preview | Philadelphia Inquirer - February 20)
In the first of those Florida games, the Union will meet Major League Soccer opponent FC Dallas, 7 p.m., March 14, at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium. more details | go to article

The Friday Five Showcases MLS Goalkeeping Battles
by Kyle McCarthy (Analysis | Goal.com - February 19)
Several MLS teams are weighing their goalkeeping options ahead of the 2010 campaign. Kyle McCarthy spotlights a few of the interesting situations in KC, New York, Philly, Chivas, and DCU in the Friday Five. more details | go to article

Luis Gil Signs With MLS
by Steven Goff (Profile/Interview | Washington Post - February 19)
Luis Gil, a 16-year-old central midfielder who attracted interest from Arsenal and other European clubs, has signed with MLS and will be allocated through a weighted lottery Monday. more details | go to article

How Will Expansion Philly Fare Off-Field?
by Ridge Mahoney (Analysis | Soccer America - February 19)
While it’s true that expanding into Philadelphia in 2010 will mark the fourth straight season, and fifth occasion in the last six years, that MLS has added at least one new team, this move might be the most important. more details | go to article

Who Should The USA Start vs. El Salvador?
by Ives Galarcep (Preview | Soccer By Ives - February 18)
The U.S. men's national team will play its second match of 2010 in less than a week against El Salvador, and while the match is carrying much less buzz than future matches against the Netherlands, Turkey and the Czech Republic, it is important in its own right. more details | go to article

Union's Nowak: Work To Do Despite Exhibition Win
by Marc Narducci (Result | Philadelphia Inquirer - February 16)
Union team manager Peter Nowak doesn't want his team to become complacent after opening with Saturday's 5-0 exhibition win over the University of North Carolina. more details | go to article

Philadelphia Union, 6ABC Form Strategic Partnership
by No Author Listed (Press Release | 6ABC/WPVI (Philadelphia) - February 16)
Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit and WPVI / 6abc President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica jointly announced today that the club is kicking off its inaugural season in Major League Soccer by entering into a multi-year partnership with the long established leader in local television. more details | go to article

Philly Is Happening Place
by No Author Listed (Preview | Soccer America - February 16)
The NFL Philadelphia Eagles announced Tuesday that the USA will face Turkey May 29 at Lincoln Financial Field, where they play their home games. more details | go to article

Can Nowak Repeat Success Of Bradley And Schmid?
by Paul Gardner (Analysis | Soccer America - February 12)
When Bob Bradley led the Chicago Fire to the 1998 MLS championship he set down a marker for first-year expansion clubs in the league: they didn't have to be doormats. more details | go to article

Union Looking Forward To First Exhibition
by Marc Narducci (Article | Philadelphia Inquirer - February 12)
The Union, who have been preparing for their inaugural MLS season since the last week of January, will finally get to break the monotonous but necessary preseason routine by playing an actual game. more details | go to article

Union Defender Looks To Start Of MLS Season
by Marc Narducci (Profile/Interview | Philadelphia Inquirer - February 10)
While the Union prepare for their inaugural MLS season and the players get to know one another, defender Danny Califf is emerging as one of the team's leaders. That's true even though the concept of a single leader isn't favored by team manager Peter Nowak. more details | go to article

State Of The Union: Pair Gives Union Brazilian Flare
by Dave Zeitlin (Article | CSN Philly - February 9)
What better way to start a professional soccer team than by acquiring players from Brazil? more details | go to article