The Philadelphia Union have had an uneventful yet drama filled off-season. They have put in massive bids for players but have fallen just short. All the lack of movement has been in a build up for the draft. The Union hold the 2nd and 6th picks in the first round and are looking to add two key players. It is speculated that the Union are going to draft a centerback and outside defender. Lots of speculation is cast on the Union. Many believe that that they are trying to trade away a draft pick for a big name player.
Recently, the Union have traded away Jeff Parke who was the team’s leader on defense. In return the Union got Ethan White, and number one allocation spot. Ethan White is entering his 5th season and his second as a starter. White has emerged as a solid defender and a proven starter but a significant drop in class from Parke. The move was made to get Parke’s large salary off the Union’s payroll. The move was set for the Union to utilize their allocation spot and sign USMNT international Mo Edu who has been on the fringe of making the US national team. The Union have made Mo an offer but the league has the canceled the signing. Not much information has been made available on why the league has told the Union they can not purchase Edu.
Since the Edu deal has been canned by the league, the Union have signed an Argentine midfielder Christian “Chaco” Miadana. Miadana is an offensive minded box to box midfielder who will likely fight for a starting role but most likely appear off the bench. Hackworth said he was impressed with his creativity and on the ball skills. Miadana signing was expected to happen; the question is will the Union trade him? Several columnists have been saying other teams would trade for a draft pick and Miadana. But with the Union not signing Edu word around the campfire is that the Miadana trade has been canned.
The Union front office is scrambling right now to put something together; everything has been based off the draft and the prospect of trading and putting together key additions. The Union were looking to impress the fans with some big signings at the draft since it is in Philly. The Edu deal was the crowning center piece to complete the Union’s midfield. It will be interesting the see who and what the Union do. The most certainly will use the second draft pick to bluster the back line but who knows what will happen with the sixth.
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