MLS president praises Union as model franchise
NEW YORK - Major League Soccer president Mark Abbott says the Union have been one of the league's model franchises since their debut.
NEW YORK - Major League Soccer president Mark Abbott says the Union have been one of the league's model franchises since their debut.
In an interview Thursday at MLS headquarters, Abbott was effusive in his praise of the Union.
"We have really been embraced by the fans in Philadelphia, and it started even before the team was here, with the Sons of Ben and the great energy and enthusiasm they brought to try to attract a team there, and it continues with other fans that come out," said Abbott, pinch-hitting for commissioner Don Garber, who had a previous commitment. "From day one, [the Union has] been a real success in the market and, obviously, there has been a lot of success on the field this year, which is great to see."
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is in the final year of his contract, and Abbott was asked whether MLS needed the English superstar to continue playing in the league.
"That is a decision for the Galaxy and what is best for them," he said. "I don't frame it as the league needing him or not. He has been a tremendous contributor to his club and the league."
Why not Feilhaber?
That is the question Union fans are asking. U.S. national team midfielder Benny Feilhaber was available in the MLS allocation draft after the league purchased his rights from AGF Aarhus, a Danish second-division club.
While he is not a designated player, $335,000 of his salary would count against the salary cap, plus there are other expenses such as the transfer fee. MLS teams have a salary cap of $2.675 million, although some exceptions allow teams to exceed the total.
At his weekly news conference Union team manager Peter Nowak said finances played a role. The Union obviously felt they could get a better bang for their buck.
Chivas USA had the first pick in the allocation draft and passed, and the Union did the same with the second pick. The New England Revolution claimed Feilhaber with the third pick.
It remains to be seen if this is a good move for both the Union and Chivas USA. As it stands, two teams passed on a player who appeared in three of four World Cup games last year for the U.S., all as a reserve.
The Union's midfield is considered workmanlike but not spectacular. Feilhaber, who has 38 caps with the U.S. team, would be a welcome addition to any team, but the price has to be taken into consideration.
Two-week break
The Union will go two weeks without playing. They postponed this weekend's game with Real Salt Lake because RSL is involved in the CONCACAF Champions League final against Monterrey, which consists of two games.
So after last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Seattle, the Union will be idle until they face the the San Jose Earthquakes at 4 p.m. April 30 at PPL Park.
Nowak gave the Union off Friday through Sunday. The rare break is a a chance for the players to recover from their assorted bumps and bruises.
