After a season filled with turmoil the Union are set to have a big off season to get this team back in the playoffs. The Union need to make changes but then again changes is what put the Union in this situation. Many fans are calling for an overhaul of changes but building a solid core is what the Union need.
There are currently a number of Union players planning to do training stints overseas. This could be huge for the development of the younger players, as they will be tested against a different style of opposition. Zach McMath will train with EPL side Everton along with Jimmy McLaughlin will be training at TSG Hoffenheim and Christian Hernandez will train in Spain with Real Sociad. Zac Pfeffer will be playing with the U-18’s for the national team. Captain Carlos Valdes will be playing for his national team and may have a short loan stint in Colombia to keep him fresh.
The Union are a team that I feel are a few pieces away from being a playoff team and a few big steps away from being a contender. They are young and talented but they need to utilize it. A few cuts are in order and maybe bring in a few players from the past. I would love to see Le Toux come home. His work ethic and skill would help the entire team. Also Carlos Ruiz is a free agent I would love to see him back. He has skill and experience.
In order to build a wining team the Union will have to cut the fat, some players do not play and others bring nothing to the table. I feel like the team would have to cut some players and some popular players to make the team better over all. The Union have way too many holding midfielders, LaHoud, Carrol, and Okugo, one of them has to go.
Who is on the Market:
Le Toux: I believe more positives then negatives for Le Toux coming back, these will be addressed in a later article.
Cassano: A talented striker with an eye for goal. He is experienced and undersized. He would fit in with the Union. His work rate is a little low but he will score goals.
Steed Malbranqu: He most likely will be expensive, but is a talent in the midfield. Signing him would be an improvement but would take out some players in the midfield. I would shy away from this signing but if the price is right take him.
Mathieu Flamini: The French midfielder can play both holding an attacking, he is creative and creates chances. Not the best name but would be a great addition. He is 28 and fallen out of favor with AC Milan, would not take him as a first choice.
Peter Crouch: The big tall goofy goal scorer who plays for Stoke in the EPL could be making a switch state side. He would bring a new dimension to the Union and would be a big signing. Not a great signing but he would cure a lot of problems for the Union.
Grafite: The Brazilian striker has claimed he loves the city of Philadelphia and would love to come play here. He is a true talent.
Who the Union cut:
Gabriel Gomez: Gomez was an offensive force but the problem he was a holding midfield. He could not keep the starting job. I liked Gomez a lot but his expensive price tag saw him the door.
Portfilio Lopez: Showed an inability to adjust to MLS play and was consistently beaten by attackers.
Witkowski: He was injured the entire season and never given the chance to prove himself.
The Union are off to a good solid start this off season by cutting Lopez and Gomez. That opens up to international spots and a healthy chunk of cap has been opened up. The Union have players training with big clubs and gaining experience. Union management have just came back from a scouting trip in South America. They claim to have a slew of prospects that they are looking into. It is only a matter of time till the players start coming. Hopefully they bring in talent who can contribute immediately.
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