STORY LINES
1. A more perfect Union » Every outlet that last week got a hold of the leaked logo for the Philadelphia Union — Major League Soccer’s 2010 expansion team, whose name was officially unveiled Monday — had an opinion about its multiple meanings, from the stars representing each of the original colonies to the Benjamin Franklin-inspired rattlesnake. But the early pundits missed the arc across the shield in the center of the logo, giving the affect of the Commodore Barry Bridge, which sits right next to the Union’s $115 million stadium under construction in Chester, Pa. The subtle touch is encouraging evidence that while Philly might not enter MLS with the fanfare of Seattle this season, they’ve got every intention of building the right foundation and connection with the community they will represent from the start.
2. Promises, promises » D.C. United fans deserve accolades for their “Give us a stadium” rally prior to United’s match against Toronto last weekend, with hundreds (the team called it “nearly 1,000”) of supporters showing up to march down East Capitol Street. But it was still an odd demonstration, especially since it lacked a specific jurisdiction or set of politicians to sway. In addition, United president Kevin Payne — a stakeholder, not a fan — was the group’s loudest voice. He first told the gathered crowd, “We know what promises are worth on this subject, don’t we,” and then concluded with, “We will be successful the next time. I promise you.”
3. Clean-up Crew » Eight weeks into the 2009 season, last year’s MLS Cup champion, Columbus, finally has its first victory. With a 3-2 win at home over Kansas City, the Crew are getting healthy and look poised to regain their championship form. Ageless veterans Guillermo Barros Schelotto (36) and Frankie Hejduk (34) are an inspiration, and moving Eddie Gaven into the center midfield is paying dividends. Columbus just needs to sort out its rowdy fans — throwing things on the field simply can’t be tolerated.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Macoumba Kandji, New York Red Bulls
The 23-year-old from Dakar, Senegal, has steadily progressed up the tiers of U.S. soccer, from Georgia Military College to PDL to USL-1 to MLS in four years, signing with New York in September. He scored the Red Bulls’ final goal of the 2008 regular season and their first in 2009. He also had a hand in all of New York’s scoring — four goals in 40 minutes — in a 4-1 win over San Jose on Friday. The 6-foot-4 striker, who has two goals and three assists on the season, is speedy and has deft feet. He also was granted a green card in April after living most of his life in the U.S. on political asylum.
