Diego Gutierrez (Courtesy Union)

A source confirmed to me what Philly Soccer Page reported earlier Sunday night, that Union scouting director Diego Gutierrez and youth director Alecko Eskandarian.

The source said the two "are no longer with the organization."

Gutierrez, who joined the Union technical staff in December 2010, was integral in instilling a pipeline for the Union into talent pools in Central and South America. Gutierrez had his hands in the signings of Lio Pajoy, Carlos Valdes and a host of others.

Eskandarian, who came aboard with the Union in June 2011, oversaw the Union's youth academy clubs and handled other similar responsibilities.

If you're connecting the dots, the Union appear to be trying to cut ties with anyone associated with ex-Union boss Peter Nowak. Gutierrez was a teammate of Nowak's in Chicago, while Eskandarian was a player under Nowak with D.C. United.

Unless interim Union manager John Hackworth gives us another explanation Monday, when he speaks to the media via conference call from the West Coast -- where the Union play LA Galaxy Wednesday night -- it'd be hard to argue against the belief that the Union simply are trimming Nowak's guys from the club. Though, it's worth noting that midfielders Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll also are deeply entrenched with Nowak and remain with the club.

I'll try to get more on this as it progresses. Stay tuned.