Union goalie Andre Blake will join teammate Keegan Rosenberry
in the 2016 MLS All-Star Game (AP).

Before the Union suited up against D.C. United Saturday night, the club got a pair of accolades that emphasize how far it has come this season.

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry and goalie Andre Blake were selected to the MLS All-Star Game as part of the fan XI vote. The MLS All-Stars will take on English giants Arsenal July 28 in San Jose.

Blake has played in all but one Union game this season, when the Jamaican was away with his national team at Copa America Centenario. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 SuperDraft is among the MLS leaders in saves and goals against average.

Rosenberry, the No. 3 pick in January’s SuperDraft, is the only member of the Union to play every minute this season. The right back also has one goal, coming against the L.A. Galaxy.

The two all-star berths for the Union are the franchise’s first since 2014 when Maurice Edu was selected as an injury replacement by coach Caleb Porter and played the second half of a win over German club Bayern Munich.

It’s the first time since 2012 that the Union have multiple all-star nods. That year, a contest hosted by PPL Park against Chelsea, featured Carlos Valdes (selected by commissioner Don Garber) and Michael Farfan (a last-minute replacement to fill out the bench). Valdes played 54 minutes, and Farfan logged 24 in a 3-2 win.

Other Union all-stars include Jack McInerney in 2013 (an injury replacement who played 33 minutes as a sub against Roma), Faryd Mondragon in 2011 (who played the first half, giving up two goals in a 4-0 loss to Manchester United) and Sebastien Le Toux in 2010 (who played the first half in a 5-2 loss to Man U).

(Times staff / ERIC HARTLINE)

Jack McInerney will be an All-Star after all.
 

The Union striker earned a place on the gameday roster for Major League Soccer’s summer showcase match, being selected Sunday by All-Star Game manager Peter Vermes to replace New York midfielder Tim Cahill.

The MLS Stars will face AS Roma Wednesday night at 9 p.m. at Sporting Park in Kansas City.

For McInerney, the All-Star nod must feel like sweet vindication. The 20-year-old forward, who ranks fourth in the league with 10 goals in 19 matches, was passed over for the All-Star Game during the initial fan vote procedure, then by MLS commissioner Don Garber, who gets to add a few players of his own choosing to the roster.

McInerney had played off his omission coolly in the last couple days, upon returning to the Union from the first United States national team call-up of his career, though the fourth-year pro had to feel at least slightly jilted. When he got the call to join the American squad in Gold Cup pool play, he was MLS’ Golden Boot leader. When he returned, he had slid in the league’s scoring leaders list and been overlooked for an All-Star spot.

The All-Star selection is the first for McInerney, who was drafted seventh overall by the Union in 2010. The news must have made for a pretty epic Sunday for McInerney. Though he had been released from the U.S. team’s Gold Cup roster for the knockout stages, McInerney was in Chicago for the American team’s win in the Gold Cup final, and was tweeting pictures of himself from the locker room holding the championship trophy only minutes after his All-Star Game nod had become official.

Vermes’ selection of McInerney gives the Union at least one All-Star Game representative in each of the club’s four seasons of existence. Sebastien Le Toux played in the 2010 match, Faryd Mondragon got on the pitch in 2011, and Michael Farfan and Carlos Valdes both subbed on in the 2012 exhibition, which was played at the Union’s PPL Park.

Nobody asked me for my input on the MLS All-Star voting. The league seems to be pretty pleased with its ways, between fan voting slightly slanted toward the host team and the proclivities of online gamers and a bit of input from the All-Star coach. That’s how they arrived at the 18-man roster that was announced Monday, including some fairly obvious selections and some noteworthy exclusions (especially to fans of a Philadelphia bent).

Brazilian Camilo Sanvezzo of Vancouver is a deserving
MLS All-Star selection. But several snubs stand out
among the 18-man roster announced Monday.
(Associated Press)

In the off chance those methods don’t exactly meet your standards – and the Twitter reaction to today’s unveiling of the full matchday roster for the July 30 game against Italian side A.S. Roma indicates that’s the case – here would be my 18-man roster for the event.

Goalkeepers: Raul Fernandez (FC Dallas), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Chris Klute (Colorado), Jose Goncalves (New England), Jamison Olave (New York).

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Will Johnson (Portland), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake), Patrice Bernier (Montreal), Mike Magee (Chicago).

Forwards: Camilo Sanvezzo (Vancouver), Robbie Keane (Los Angeles), Marco Di Vaio (Montreal), Jack McInerney (Philadelphia).

I’ll start on a positive note: I can’t see many problems with the goalkeepers. Fernandez has been sensational at times for Dallas, and Rimando is as good as it gets perennially in this league. I’d love to see a place for the Revs’ Bobby Shuttleworth on the team, but that’s not really in the cards.
Read more »

(Times staff / ROBERT J GURECKI)

For most of the night, Union interim manager John Hackworth had a good time ... except for when MLS All-Star coach Ben Olsen decided to sub in the Union's Carlos Valdes late in the first half.

"Carlos got an opportunity early and I told Ben I was pissed because I didn't want Carlos to play more than 45 minutes," said Hackworth, one of Olsen's assistants. "We had it out on the bench, and now we're all good."

Valdes got 55 minutes, Union teammate Michael Farfan took in the final 16 and the MLS All-Stars topped Chelsea FC, 3-2, Wednesday night in the MLS All-Star Game at PPL Park.

Seattle's Eddie Johnson scored in stoppage time to lead MLS, which required a first-half goal from Chris Wondolowski and a second-half strike from Chris Pontius to avoid staying winless in the league's summer showcase game for a fifth consecutive season.

For more from Hackworth and Farfan about the game, read on. Also, I've embedded video of Valdes (pictured above), upon entering the match, which can be viewed below.

JOHN HACKWORTH
On Farfan:
"You know, Michael -- I can't say enough about that kid because he just comes in and he's class. His touch is good, he weights his passes good, he fits right in, he doesn't look out of place at all. I'm really happy for him.

On reception for his players:
"It gave me goosebumps. I thought it was incredible. It's fantastic. It's great for our fans to see that and to embrace Carlos and Michael was fantastic.

MICHAEL FARFAN
On the game:
"It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life. To have all these fans cheering for us is an amazing experience."

On brother Gabriel Farfan's message:
"Nothing. He was just excited."

On disbelief in getting subbed on for David Beckham:
"I didn't (believe it). I never thought that would happen, but I'm excited that it did. Just really happy to be out here with everyone."

(Associated Press)

Here's a look at MLS All-Star Game coach Ben Olsen's starting lineup for tonight's match against Chelsea FC at PPL Park:

GK ... Nielsen
DF ... Beitashour, Collin, DeMerit, Morrow
MF ... Alonso, Beckham, De Rosario, Donovan
FW ... Henry, Wondolowski

About the starting XI:

• Off the plane, onto the pitch. Midfielder David Beckham will start tonight's match, despite getting off a plane only a short time ago. Beckham did not train Tuesday. He was in London for the Beyond Sport summit, in advance of the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games, at which Beckham will have a role. Kudos to the guy for making the trek back just in time for the game.
• Newcomers to the starting lineup. Forward Eddie Johnson and midfielder Graham Zusi were picked to be in the starting XI by fan vote. But D.C. United coach Ben Olsen instead went with defender Justin Morrow and midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
• No Union starters. Though it would've been nice to see either of the Union's All-Stars, whether Carlos Valdes or Michael Farfan, in the starting lineup, that didn't happen. Valdes likely will sub on at halftime, and Farfan is expected to play the final 12 minutes of the match as a sparkplug sub.

(Associated Press)

Some high praise for Union rookie Antoine Hoppenot was handed down Tuesday, by one of Major League Soccer's top players.

San Jose striker Chris Wondolowski (pictured), who leads the league with 17 tallies, is in town for tonight's MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea FC.

And like Hoppenot, who was the 50th pick in the MLS supplemental draft, Wondolowski's MLS fate was left to the secondary draft day -- as an overlooked entry-level player back in 2005.

Though Wondolowski's resume is dotted with a tad more success (tie for MLS Golden Boot, two-time MLS Cup champion) than, say, Hoppenot's, Wondo offered some advice to Hoppenot, the kid who has scored a pair of goals coming off the bench for the revitalized Union.

“Keep working at it. You have to work hard," Wondolowski said, following Tuesday's training at PPL Park. "Just keep developing your skill set and, if you get a chance, just try to make the most of it. That's what I'd say (to him)."

More from the All-Star Game later tonight, including a post with the starting XI for both clubs and a post-game update.

(Associated Press)

Saying today was a busy one is kind of an understatement.

Here's a quick recap of what went down:

• Michael Farfan made the MLS All-Star team's gameday roster, becoming the league's youngest selection and the Union's second representative (joining Carlos Valdes).
• Oh, and ex-Union boss Peter Nowak sued his former club.

Yeah, about that.

Nowak has filed a lawsuit against the Union, citing wrongful termination while also seeking severance money he claims he's owed. According to his attorney, Nowak is owed “in the ballpark of $1 million.”

The story was first reported by philly.com's Jonathan Tannenwald.

There are a couple variables here: First Nowak contends his dismissal was without cause and without notice. Nowak's attorney, Clifford E. Haines, Esq., told the Daily Times that Nowak's contract did not allow for termination based on wins and losses, which was “not under the terms of this contract,” he said. At the time of Nowak's dismissal, the Union sat in ninth place in the Eastern Conference table.

Second, Nowak's lawsuit papers say he was unwilling to meet the Union's demands: To either sign a separation agreement, by which Nowak would agree to be dismissed by the club while also retaining his salary through this calendar year, or refuse to sign the agreement and receive no severance package.



“The team disputes the allegations in the complaint and will vigorously defend against the lawsuit,” Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz told the Daily Times. The Union said they will issue no further statements regarding Nowak's suit.

The interesting thing here is that Nowak's case is harmed by one of the documents he submitted as evidence. Nowak's attorney filed a letter sent to Nowak by Pennsylvania Professional Soccer LLC, a branch of the ownership group that owns the Union – Keystone Sports and Entertainment. Within the letter dated June 13, the date of Nowak's dismissal, the Union offer a number of explanations regarding Nowak's termination. Among them: Hazing of players, preventing his players from contacting the MLS players' union, insubordination with Union CEO Sakiewicz, suspensions and fines accrued as a result of on-field behavior, requiring injured players to train with the club, and seeking employment elsewhere. While still employed by the Union, Nowak reportedly applied for a vacant coaching position with Hearts, of the Scottish Premier League.

“They (the Union) have listed other things that Peter has alleged to do,” Haines said. “And even if he did them, we do not believe they're enough to justify his firing.”

Doesn't sound like a resolution will be reached any time soon. So stay tuned.

#       #       #

Anyway, back to the All-Star Game. Here are a few videos from Tuesday's training at PPL Park, with Union interim manager John Hackworth (also the MLS All-Stars' assistant coach) and Farfan discussing Farfan's selection to the team:

The countdown to the MLS All-Star Game, against Chelsea FC at PPL Park, has begun.

Later today, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and MLS commissioner Don Garber will officially open the ceremonies with a 2 p.m. press conference on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Here's a preview video to further entice your appetite for next Wednesday's big game. Enjoy.

(Associated Press)

Union captain Carlos Valdes has made the MLS All-Star Game's 18-man roster, and will be eligible to play July 25 at PPL Park against Chelsea FC.

This will represent the first All-Star Game appearance for Valdes, a second-year MLS player who has anchored the Union's central defense since 2011. He was named the club's captain in May, following the trade of Danny Califf to Chivas USA.

"I think it;s fantastic for Carlos and he's most deserving of this," said Union interim manager John Hackworth, who will assist D.C. United coach Ben Olsen with the MLS All-Star Game's technical staff.

"Carlos has had two outstanding seasons with us, he's our captain and it's an honor. We needed another centerback on this roster, and Carlos is one of the best centerbacks in the league. He's very deserving of this."

Valdes earned the All-Star nod Sunday as one of two players voted in by MLS commissioner Don Garber. Both Garber (two selections) and Olsen rounded out the All-Star Game's 18-man roster. The first XI were named a week ago.

It's been a whirlwind 24 hours for Valdes, who followed up his game-winning goal Saturday against Montreal with the first All-Star selection of his career.

The Union have had three All-Star selections in as many seasons since joining MLS in 2010. Striker Sebastien Le Toux started the 2010 showcase game and Faryd Mondragon got the start in goal in 2011.

(Times staff / COLIN KERRIGAN)

It's been 27 days since John Hackworth took over, and in the near-month that he's been at the helm, well, the Union have played pretty-darn good.

But that doesn't nearly do the Union justice, does it?

They're scoring with regularity, playing out-of-their-minds defensively and getting under the skins of their opponents ... as evidenced by their 3-0 throttling Sunday of Toronto FC.

Just about the only thing that should come as a surprise to anyone is that the Union are playing this well so quickly after the firing of their head coach and the dismissal of the scouting director, Diego Gutierrez ... and that they're playing nine matches over a 27-day span, including Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup semifinal against Sporting Kansas City.

"Everyone knows what they need to do to get ready for the next game," said Antoine Hoppenot, who tallied the Union's third goal Sunday. "People are ice bathing, getting in the hot tub so they are getting stretching regimens and the guys know what they need to do.  They are professionals so they make sure they are ready for the next game."

The Union -- who also got goals from Freddy Adu, pictured, and Gabriel Gomez -- are making Hackworth look good. They're creating some space between they and last-place Toronto, closing the gap between they and their competition for one of the five playoff spots in the Eastern Conference ... and returning an exciting brand of soccer to PPL Park.

Something that hasn't been there since, say, 2011. Remember those days?

A couple 'how' situations here:

• How does Antoine Hoppenot keep doing what he's doing?
• How did Sheanon Williams make this save, protecting Zac MacMath's clean sheet?
• How cool was it to see Roger Torres make his way onto the pitch? The midfielder, who checked in for Michael Farfan in the 83rd minute, hadn't played in MLS competition since March 24 while recovering from an MCL injury.

#       #       #       #       #

U.S. OPEN CUP: The results of the bidding war to host the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final are in ... and it's only half-good for the Union.

They'd host Chivas USA in a final either Aug. 7 or Aug. 8, assuming both win their respective semifinals. But if the Union draw Seattle Sounders FC, they'll have to travel to the West Coast to face the three-time Open Cup champs Aug. 8.

MLS ALL-STAR XI: The starting XI for the MLS All-Star Game, July 25 at PPL Park, was unveiled this weekend ... and the Union don't have anybody who made the cut.

That's not to say the Union won't have anybody representing the host club when the MLS stars face Chelsea FC, but it's in the hands of MLS commissioner Don Garber, who will pick two players next Sunday, July 15, and a vote of players will yield the rest of the roster, which will be announced on matchday.

D.C. United's Ben Olsen will lead the MLS All-Stars July 25 against Chelsea FC at PPL Park, the league announced Thursday.

The job had been Union boss Peter Nowak's...until he was fired eight days ago. So much for that plan.

It was bandied about that Nowak's successor, John Hackworth, would get the honor. That's partially the case, with Hackworth joining the rest of United's technical staff on the job.

"Ben Olsen has experience playing in All-Star Games and he has guided his team to one of the best records in MLS so far this season," said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS executive vice president of competition and game operations. "He and his staff also have a relatively short distance to travel and his club does not play a league match on the weekend after the All-Star Game. Adding John Hackworth at his side strengthens the group that will assemble and prepare our team for this important game."

Traditionally --- well, of lately --- the coach of the team in the All-Star Game's host city has been the coach. That left the job to Nowak. Since he was fired last week, it was kicked around online whether Hackworth would assume the duties.

Olsen seems like the perfect choice, as outlined above by Rodriguez. He's geographically close to Philly and his team is close to tops in the Eastern Conference, a previous pre-requisite for managing the MLS All-Stars. And Olsen's a Harrisburg native. Sounds like a good fit to me.

"This is a huge honor," Olsen said in a statement. "This league has been a major part of my life, both as a player and now as a coach, and it's given me a lot. Ultimately, this recognition comes because of my team and my staff, but to represent the league on a big stage like this is a real privilege."

 

Hackworth, who has managed just one game as a head coach in MLS, doesn't deserve the distinction bestowed upon Olsen. At least not yet. But it's absolutely a cool gesture on MLS' and Olsen's part to include Hackworth in the festivities. Should make for a fun weekend.

Saturday, in their home date against Columbus, the Union -- in conjunction with MLS -- unveiled the jerseys to be worn in July for the MLS All-Star Game vs. Chelsea FC at PPL Park.

What do you think? I could take it or leave it. Just screams, 'Uninspired,' with a black jersey and neon green trim. I do, however, like the crest of this All-Star Game, with the Liberty Bell festooned within.

Also, United States Soccer released the new look of the national teams over the weekend, with an American-flag inspired jersey for the U.S. men's and women's teams.

Now this I like. The red hoop-style jersey is unique, better than your run-of-the-mill solid-color kits and an improvement over the last jersey the U.S. sported, which featured a blue-sash color pattern across the front.

So, what are your thoughts? Leave them below in the comments section.

A few odds and ends from Wednesday's press conference at PPL Park:

**The jersey the MLS All-Stars will wear against Chelsea July 25 will be unveiled at halftime of the Union's match Saturday against visiting Columbus. In case you didn't hear, Union boss Peter Nowak will manage the All-Stars.

**Why Chelsea? Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz said MLS, outfitted by Adidas, wished to book a fellow Adidas-sponsored club.

**Up to six tickets to the All-Star Game, which will air on ESPN, are available to each Union season-ticket holder account until April 25 at a special price, according to Sakiewicz.

**Union manager Peter Nowak said Freddy Adu “will play” Saturday against Columbus. Nowak would not say whether Adu, a scratch March 31 against Vancouver after returning from a U.S. U-23s callup, would make the Union's starting 11.

**Union midfielder Roger Torres will miss Saturday's match, and possibly even more beyond that, after spraining the MCL in his left knee Monday during a reserve-league match. Read more about it here.

The air's kind of out of the balloon.

According to FOX Soccer and Soccer by Ives, two reputable sources within the American soccer community, Chelsea will visit PPL Park July 25 to face the MLS All-Stars in the league's annual all-star game.

A formal announcement is expected Wednesday during an 11:30 a.m. press conference at PPL Park.

MLS all-stars have played an English Premier League team in seven of the last eight years. The MLS stars have lost the last three.

The Union hope to have a representative in this year's game, the first major MLS showcase in the three-year history of PPL Park. Sebastien Le Toux made the cut in 2010 and Faryd Mondragon earned a spot in 2011.

If I was to wage a guess, Sheanon Williams has as good a shot as anybody to make the 2012 all-star team. Not only is the right back consistent, in that he's missed only one match since debuting in 2010, but he's a lockdown defender who can make runs into the offensive third of the pitch. He's been the Union's top player to this point of the season.

Who do you think from the Union deserves consideration? Leave your thoughts below.