MLS Weekend preview, Curtin defends not rotating Union lineup, and more in today’s links
Philadelphia Union News
Union take to the road for rivalry showdown at New York Red Bulls
The biggest key for the Union will be capitalizing on the few times Red Bulls maintains possession long enough to turn the ball over and put themselves in a bad defensive transition moment. Since the home side holds so little of the ball, these moments rarely pop up, and Red Bull often uses them to turn the tables and execute their own attacking transition when an opponent over-extends themselves pushing forward.
Jim Curtin defends not rotating the Union’s lineup ahead of visiting the Red Bulls
“We act like it’s the biggest deal in the world here, when we play three games occasionally and everyone jumps on me when I don’t rotate,” Curtin said.
Union at “full speed” in Supporters’ Shield battle with LAFC
“LAFC are in a tough run of form, but they have so much quality,” Curtin said. “I’m sure they’ll bounce back and Steve’s a great coach too and will get them back on track. We have to put pressure on them and be there. If they do slip up, that’s our goal [to pass them].”
MLS News
MLS Preview: Nashville SC-Austin FC, LAFC-RSL headline top matches in Week 28
The Supporters’ Shield race got much tighter following midweek MLS action, and two marquee weekend matchups will produce even more drama with the Philadelphia Union taking on the New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles FC hosting Real Salt Lake.
Wagner, Kone & more: Transfers that didn’t happen in MLS this summer
Most European transfer windows closed Sept. 1, after plenty of big deals involving MLS players went through this summer. They weren’t the only ones who were subjects of interest from abroad, though. Let’s sift through some potential moves that didn’t happen.
Tom Edwards officially leaves Red Bulls to join Barnsley on loan
Edwards thus ends his MLS career with 47 league appearances in what turned out to be a far more substantial stint than its temporary nature first implied. He first joined New York in early 2021 as one of several loans the club brought over in the hopes of revamping the squad during the depths of the covid pandemic.