PHILADELPHIA UNION
LAST YEAR: 12-12-10 (14th place overall, seventh in Eastern Conference).
WHO’S BACK: M Brian Carroll, F Conor Casey, M Danny Cruz, M Keon Daniel, M Leo Fernandes, D Ray Gaddis, F Christhian Hernandez, F Antoine Hoppenot, M Michael Lahoud, F Sebastien Le Toux, GK Zac MacMath, F Jack McInerney, M Jimmy McLaughlin, D Amobi Okugo, F Aaron Wheeler, D Sheanon Williams.
WHO’S GONE: D Jeff Parke, M Matt Kassel, D Chris Albright, M Michael Farfan, M Gabriel Farfan, M Kleberson, M Roger Torres.
WHO’S NEW: M Maurice Edu, D Ethan White, M Pedro Ribeiro, M Vincent Nogueira, D Richie Marquez, M Cristian Maidana, GK Brian Holt, GK Andre Blake, M Corben Bone, D Austin Berry.
WHAT’S AHEAD: The Union made major changes after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, headlined by adding Edu and his national team experience to the young club. With Vincent Nogueira joining Edu in the midfield, it will solidify what has been a weak link in recent seasons. The Union also added Maidana and traded for Berry. The Union have reached the postseason just once in their four seasons, so this type of depth should help. McInerney had a breakout season in 2013 with 12 goals, though he tapered off. Casey is nicked up to open the season, and the club will need him healthy to contend for a playoff berth. The Union selected Blake (from UConn) with the No. 1 overall pick in the SuperDraft, the first goalkeeper ever to be taken with the top pick. Blake should push MacMath and make for an interesting competition as the season progresses.
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