SB Nation Philly: All Posts by Scott Kesslerhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2011-10-30T14:08:35-04:00https://philly.sbnation.com/authors/scott-kessler/rss2011-10-30T14:08:35-04:002011-10-30T14:08:35-04:00Philadelphia Union Vs Houston Dynamo: Mondragon's Time In Germany Shows He's Ready For First Ever MLS Playoff Game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Philadelphia Union starting goalkeeper <span>Faryd Mondragon</span> is starting his first ever MLS playoff game, but it isn't the first high pressure, playoff level game of his career. After playing for nearly a decade in Europe with teams like Galatasary and FC Koln, Mondragon understands what pressure filled games entail. </p>
<p>While in Germany, Mondragon spent time with FC Koln and helped them to advance from 2. Bundesliga to the Bundesliga in his first season. The path to the top league meant that every game meant something for the club.</p>
<p>"There are only 18 teams in each division instead of 20 like some other leagues," Phil Quinn, of SB Nation Soccer told SBN Philly. "So, it makes it more interesting. I want to say Mondragon started... 99% of his games at Koln? Close to it. And pretty much every game for them was a big game. Their goal was always basically "Survive. Try to finish midtable."</p>
<p>"When Mondragon joined Koln they were in the second division. He came in and won the starting job after serious competition with Steffan Wessels who was the establish starter for three season. They finished third in the league that year and were promoted. This was the last season they did automatic promotion."</p>
<p>"Since the 08-09 season, the top two finishers in the 2.Bundesliga are automatically promoted and the bottom two Bundesliga teams are relegated. The third place 2.Bundesliga team faces the team that finishes 16th in the Bundesliga in a home/away playoff."</p>
<p>The former Colombian international went on to play against some of the biggest teams in the world, and in his first two seasons in the Bundesliga faired quite well against them.</p>
<p>"In his first year they had these positives: Bremen 1-0, Schalke 1-0, Dortmund 1-1, at Bayern 2-1, at Hamburg 1-0, at Stuttgart 3-1. In his second year: Bayern 1-1, Hamburg 3-3, 0-0 Bremen, at Leverkusen 0-0, at Bayern 0-0, at Stuttgart 2-0," Quinn said.</p>
<p>"He was basically solid at most times, spectacular at the best of times. I'd say, normally a good shot stopper and usually has an excellent command of his backline."</p>
<p>High praise has been said of Mondragon for helping to rebuild a back five that was much maligned last year, as the Union dropped numerous points due to shoddy defensive play and poor goalkeeping. The 40-year-old's ability to take his experience from Europe and apply it to the Union puts him among only a few in MLS. <span>Kasey Keller</span> and <span>Frank Rost</span> also spent plenty of time in Europe, and Quinn sees the three as the top goalkeepers for playoff games. </p>
<p>"I think we'd all agree that Keller is near the top just due to the sheer amount of experience he has. I think you could easily make the argument for Mondragon, Rost, or Nielsen for #2," said Quinn. "You know... I'd say Keller/Mondragon are 1a and 1b, and Rost is 1c. I'd say of the three, Keller is in the best situation just because he's played several seasons with basically the same defense. Then Mondragon and then Rost."</p>
<p>"Rost played 147 games for Werder Bremen. 130 for Schalke. and 149 for Hamburg. Keller at 176 for Millwall, 99 for Leicester City, 51 for Rayo, 85 for Spurs, 78 for Gladbach. Mondragon 103 for Independiente, 185 for Gala, 106 for Koln. As long as those guys have a serviceable defense in front of them, they'll be fine."</p>
<p>Quinn went on to predict a little bit about how Mondragon will fair against Houston, a match up in which he feels Mondragon has the advantage.</p>
<p>"I think Houston's best chance of scoring against Philly is through <span>Brad Davis</span>, but I think Mondragon (in addition to <span>Carlos Valdes</span>/<span>Danny Califf</span>) gives Philly the advantage. He commands his box well. He's tall. He performs well on crosses into the box. I'd be shocked if Houston scored."</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/10/30/2524964/philadelphia-union-vs-houston-dynamo-faryd-mondragon-germany-bundesliga-mls-playoffsScott Kessler2011-10-30T13:46:22-04:002011-10-30T13:46:22-04:00MLS Playoffs Schedule: Philadelphia Union Vs Houston Dynamo 2nd Leg Date & Time
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IjVr3u8ynQSdIgtmFKnoaEKfMHI=/0x23:979x676/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4606764/130979101.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Union get set for the second leg of its Eastern Conference semifinal against Houston after dropping the first leg.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/10/30/2524960/mls-playoffs-philadelphia-union-host-houston-dynamo-todayMichael KatzMatthew RothScott KesslerJason Brewer2011-09-17T15:27:48-04:002011-09-17T15:27:48-04:00Philadelphia Union Seek Six Point Swing As Columbus Crew Come To Town
<figure>
<img alt="COLUMBUS OH - OCTOBER 24: Sebastien Le Toux #9 of the Philadelphia Union battles for control of the ball with Shaun Francis #29 of the Columbus Crew on October 24 2010 at Crew Stadium in Columbus Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qHmjjiVPf_2UC1Cn9LBTCRl0kj8=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1360185/GYI0062181497.jpg" />
<figcaption>COLUMBUS OH - OCTOBER 24: Sebastien Le Toux #9 of the Philadelphia Union battles for control of the ball with Shaun Francis #29 of the Columbus Crew on October 24 2010 at Crew Stadium in Columbus Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p> Another three points would bring Philadelphia within one point of the second place Sporting Kansas City, and two of the Crew in the standings, with a game-in-hand on Columbus.</p> <p>The Philadelphia Union are not only looking to end their eight game winless skid, but also to gain"six" points tonight against the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a>.</p>
<p><b>Six Points?</b></p>
<p>On top of the Eastern Conference, the Crew widened their lead over the Union in August, beating a struggling Union 2-1 in Columbus. At the time those three points were important, as the Union had the opportunity to catch back up to the Crew, but instead fell farther down the playoff standings.</p>
<p>This time around, the 'six' point swing is almost as important to the Union. Another three points would bring Philadelphia within one point of the second place <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>, and two of the Crew in the standings, with a game-in-hand on Columbus. The Union would have the chance to make up those two points on Columbus against Kansas City next week. Additionally, three points against the Crew would enable the Union to turn the SKC away game into another 'win-and-move-up' game in the standings.</p>
<p><b>Recent Form</b></p>
<p>Crew: W-W-L-L-T (first in Eastern Conference)</p>
<p>Union: T-L-L-T-T (third in Eastern Conference)</p>
<p><b>Projected Starting Line Up (Union):</b></p>
<p><span>Zac MacMath</span>; <span>Gabriel Farfan</span>, <span>Danny Califf</span>, <span>Carlos Valdes</span>, <span>Sheanon Williams</span>; <span>Brian Carroll</span>, Freddy Adu, <span>Roger Torres</span>, Veljko Paunoivc; <span>Sebastien Le Toux</span>, <span>Danny Mwanga</span></p>
<p>OUT: <span>Levi Houapeu</span>, <span>Justin Mapp</span> - QUESTIONABLE: Paunovic</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/9/17/2431497/philadelphia-union-seek-six-point-swing-as-columbus-crew-come-to-townScott Kessler2011-07-23T18:54:22-04:002011-07-23T18:54:22-04:00Real Madrid Comes To Philadelphia To Play The Union In A Friendly
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia Union return to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since the beginning of their inaugural 2010 Major League Soccer season to take on La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid.</p>
<p>Coming off of a 1-0 win over English Premier League side Everton, the Union are looking to extend their home unbeaten streak that dates back to the end of the 2010 MLS season. Sitting atop of the Eastern Conference in MLS, the Union have rebounded from a poor first season in 2010 to become one of the best teams in American soccer in only the team's second year.</p>
<p>Madrid come to Philly after dismantling the LA Galaxy 4-1 at the Home Depot Center. Suri Nahin, Fabio Coentrao and a couple of other projected starters or important players may not make appearances at tonight's friendly due to injury, according to Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho.</p>
<p><b>For more on tonight's friendly, and the Union, head over to <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com">the Brotherly Game</a>, SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog.</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/7/23/2338289/real-madrid-comes-to-philadelphia-to-play-the-union-in-a-friendlyScott Kessler2011-07-23T18:54:22-04:002011-07-23T18:54:22-04:00Real Madrid Defeats Philadelphia Union 2-1
<figure>
<img alt="PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Carlos Ruiz #20 of the Philadelphia Union and Ricardo Carvalho #2 of Real Madrid battle for the ball at Lincoln Financial Field on July 23, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tqpzzHrOQlVP1uKgk1lbA0sD4Yw=/0x194:466x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3433723/119685970.jpg" />
<figcaption>PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Carlos Ruiz #20 of the Philadelphia Union and Ricardo Carvalho #2 of Real Madrid battle for the ball at Lincoln Financial Field on July 23, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>La Liga giants Real Madrid defeated the Philadelphia 2-1 in front of 57,000+ fans at Lincoln Financial Field as part of the Herbalife Word Football Challenge.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/7/23/2290370/real-madrid-philadelphia-union-friendlyJason BrewerScott Kessler2011-07-02T18:23:28-04:002011-07-02T18:23:28-04:00Philadelphia Union And DC United Face Off In 2011's First I-95 Rivalry Game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia Union head down I-95 to RFK Stadium to take on Eastern Conference rivals <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/dc-united">DC United</a>.</p>
<p>Trying to follow up a 3-2 win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> are the Union, who scored two or more goals in a game for only the third time in the 2011 MLS season. Recent signing <span>Veljko Paunovic</span> picked up his first ever MLS goal, and <span>Carlos Ruiz</span>, along with <span>Danny Mwanga</span>, scored to give the Union a one goal win over a surging Chivas. <span>Justin Mapp</span> has been on a tear, especially in regards to media criticism. The Union sit alone atop the Eastern Conference because of the three points picked up against Chivas.</p>
<p>In third place, behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> and in front of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>, are DC United. Led by MLS leading scorer (tied with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110250/thierry-henry">Thierry Henry</a> and Ladon Donovan) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110931/charlie-davies">Charlie Davies</a>, United added firepower to their already impressive arsenal by acquiring central attacking midfielder Dwayne DeRosario from the New York Red Bulls.</p>
<p>History: the teams are tied 1-1-0 in the series.</p>
<p>For more on the Philadelphia Union, and <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/7/2/2256316/philadelphia-union-at-dc-united-gamethread-match-17" target="_blank">a live game thread of reactions and commentary from staff and readers/fans</a> alike, head to the <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com" target="_blank">Brotherly Game</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/7/2/2337392/philadelphia-union-and-dc-united-face-off-in-2011s-first-i-95-rivalryScott Kessler2011-07-02T18:23:28-04:002011-07-02T18:23:28-04:00Union Take A Point Out Of DC Against United, Draw 2-2.
<figure>
<img alt="WASHINGTON - AUGUST 22: Jordan Harvey #2 of Philadelphia Union throws the ball in against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on August 22 2010 in Washington DC. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rsn2F_VKLuzP6BK4_KZJYhQSQZw=/11x0:589x385/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1088575/GYI0061368320.jpg" />
<figcaption>WASHINGTON - AUGUST 22: Jordan Harvey #2 of Philadelphia Union throws the ball in against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on August 22 2010 in Washington DC. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia Union (7-4-5) head to DC to play regional rival DC United (4-5-6).</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/7/2/2256402/philadelphia-union-dc-united-2011-first-I95-rivalryScott Kessler2011-06-22T15:54:16-04:002011-06-22T15:54:16-04:00Union Battle Sporting KC To Goal-less Draw
<figure>
<img alt="CHESTER PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Danny Mwanga #10 of the Philadelphia Union chases Jimmy Conrad #12 of the Kansas City Wizards at PPL Park on September 4 2010 in Chester Pennsylvania. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NGL8lFtgDU7gbqCw7vEa0v1ZVEY=/0x0:599x399/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1131875/GYI0061492513.jpg" />
<figcaption>CHESTER PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Danny Mwanga #10 of the Philadelphia Union chases Jimmy Conrad #12 of the Kansas City Wizards at PPL Park on September 4 2010 in Chester Pennsylvania. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Union mostly dominated play, but failed to put the ball in the net. They did, however, remain unbeaten at PPL Park this season</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/6/22/2237667/kansas-city-philadelphia-union-for-the-first-time-as-sportingJason BrewerScott Kessler2011-06-22T15:54:16-04:002011-06-22T15:54:16-04:00Kansas City Comes To Philadelphia For The First Time As Sporting
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Sons of Ben are ready to welcome <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> to PPL Park to face the Philadelphia Union tonight. As <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/6/22/2237577/one-season-later-sons-of-ben-plan-to-serenade-peter-vermes-again-99-bottles" target="_blank">detailed by the Brotherly Game today</a>, the Sons of Ben plan to serenade Peter Vermes, Kansas City's head coach, with "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," for a second year in a row.</p>
<p>Kansas City comes to Philadelphia on a six game unbeaten streak in all competitions, with a five game unbeaten streak in MLS play. With wins against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, Kansas City has shown that it's no longer the easily beatable team that it was during its long road trip to the start the season. With a 1-0-1 record at the recently opened LIVESTRONG Park, Sporting looks to begin a new chapter of their road record.</p>
<p>A Union undefeated streak of four games came to an end last week at the hands of MLS' cellar dweller, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>. <span>Veljko Paunovic</span> got his first start with the Union and <span>Stefani Miglioranzi</span> made his way back into the line up. The Union fell 1-0.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Union, including a live game thread of your reactions and staff commentary,<a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com" target="_blank"> join the Brotherly Game</a>, SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog.</b></p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/6/22/2336911/kansas-city-comes-to-philadelphia-for-the-first-time-as-sportingScott Kessler2011-06-19T01:12:31-04:002011-06-19T01:12:31-04:00RECAP: Union Get Manhandled By Whitecaps, Fall 1-0
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mNcr1WCCgdMH6eSLlGQamKHFUM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828129/large_philly.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia Union were expecting to continue a run of strong games with good results, but instead some questionable coaching moves lead toward a 1-0 loss against the Vancouver Whitecaps.</p>
<p>Head coach Piotr Nowak decided to start newly signed Serbian striker and central attacking midfielder Veljko Paunovic, along with much maligned midfielder <span>Stefani Miglioranzi</span>. The Union started Miglioranzi alongside fellow defensive (or holding) midfielder Brian Carroll, the first time since the Union's recent return to offensive form that two defensive midfielders lined up with one another. <span>Danny Mwanga</span>, the Union's leading scorer this season, sat on the bench, as did exciting rookie midfielder <span>Michael Farfan</span>. Last week's her <span>Keon Daniel</span>, who gave the Union an 1-0 lead against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>, also was on the bench at the beginning of the game.</p>
<p>A dismal first half for the Union was the result of almost complete domination by the Whitecaps. Despite holding 52% of the possession, the Union failed to capitalize on any runs of play that they put together. Carroll had the only real opportunity on goal, striking from distance. His shot landed safety in Whitecaps goalkeeper <span>Joe Cannon</span>'s arms. The Whitecaps, however, took advantage of some nice possession and passing around minute 12 and left back <span>Alain Rochat</span>'s rocket of a shot nearly went upper 90 on Union goalkeeper <span>Faryd Mondragon</span>. The outside of the foot shot seemed to nick the turf enough to bend the ball so that Mondragon could only get his fingertips on it. </p>
<p>Paunovic, who had been retired for two and a half years before signing with the Union, was subbed out of the game in the 59th minute. He did not make much impact on the game and looked out of his depth at times. Miglioranzi was also substituted out of the game in the early second half. On came Mwanga and Farfan.</p>
<p>Even with those two moves the Union saw little change in the flow of the game. Mwanga saw a cross that came off of a run made all by himself land at a defender's feet. Le Toux couldn't sniff the goal. Farfan found no help trying to move up the left side. <span>Justin Mapp</span> lost the ability to make runs that he had done early into the first half. Other than Carroll, every player outside of the defense and Mondragon failed to make any impression upon the match.</p>
<p>There were two moments for the rest of the game that really had any life to them. Mondragon rushed out of his area to attempt to clear a long through ball, but failed to make it in time. He chose to fight with the Whitecaps player who also made it to the ball, losing out in the end. Vancouver, however, could not capitalize on that opportunity to double their lead. The second moment was in the last minute or so of the second half, when the Union finally found offensive life. That too came to nothing.</p>
<p>Coming back to Philadelphia, the Union face <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> on Wednesday at 7 pm.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-union/2011/6/19/2231436/recap-union-get-manhandled-by-whitecaps-fall-1-0Scott Kessler