Kai Herdling's time with the Union has run its course.

The German import, who arrived in Philly on loan April 16, has returned to Hoffenheim 1899 two weeks ahead of schedule and in time for its preseason. Herdling's loan was set to expire June 30.

It's conceivable that the return of Roger Torres, whose injury precipitated the loan of Herdling -- a midfielder/forward -- in order to fill a void.

“We would like to thank Kai for his contributions to our club over the last two months,” Union interim manager John Hackworth said in a statement. “He was a consummate professional and it was a pleasure to have him as a member of our organization.  We wish him the best of luck with his career in Germany.”

Herdling joined the Union in the days after Torres sustained a knee injury in an April friendly. Expected to handle some of the connecting passes between a formidable backline and an attack that -- seemingly -- was one touch shy of scoring, Herdling was to be a goal producer. It didn't exactly work out that way, but that's not to say Herdling's loan was a lost cause. (After all, he was a stellar translater when German club Schalke 04 came to town.) In all seriousness, he was a good teammate and a veteran presence that a green Union team could always use. 

Considering Herdling hasn't played all that much of late, his presence on the pitch won't exactly be missed. We'll see what Hackworth has to say about it Wednesday afternoon during his weekly presser.