Philadelphia Union manager Peter Nowak announced on Feb. 1 that center back Danny Califf will wear the captain's armband this season (via Philadelphia Union). Califf was previously the captain before now departed goaltender Faryd Mondragon joined the club last season. In fact, Califf, Mondragon and Alejandro Moreno are the only three players to wear the armband for the Union. Moreno, who now plays for Chivas USA, filled in during two games that Califf missed in 2010.
Last season when Mondragon was injured, the Union were unbeaten in seven straight games that Califf was wearing the armband.
Nowak said about naming Califf captain once again:
"I think it's a natural thing right now that Danny Califf will take over as captain," Nowak told the media after the team's open training session at YSC Sports. "He was [next in line] behind Faryd when Faryd went down [with a broken finger on Sept. 3], and Danny took over as captain. So we're not going to change anything with that."
Nowak also named guys he had in mind to wear the armband in a potential Califf absence: Carlos Valdes, Brian Carroll, Gabriel Gomez and Sheanon Williams. Everyone on that list is either a defender or a defensive midfielder.
Califf was honored to be the captain again.
"It's an honor obviously, every time you get to slip it over your arm," Califf said in response to his appointment.
The Union begin the 2012 MLS campaign against the Timbers on March 12.
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