It’s been a busy day for the Philadelphia Union. With a total of six players leaving the team and more rumoured to follow, it’s evident the team have big plans ahead of next season..but it’s been hard to keep track of who’s gone where at this stage. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
This is what we know so far.
Philadelphia Union dealings that we know of so far:
IN:
PontiusOUT:
Maidana
Carroll (FA)
Casey (FA)
Wenger
Cruz
Berry (Cincinnati)— Philly Sports Network (@PhiladelphiaSN) December 8, 2015
The Elephant in the room is obviously Chris Pontius who was officially acquired earlier today from D.C United. With the Union essentially getting rid of two central midfielders, the move makes perfect sense but as Kevin Kinkead eluded to, it could see the Union change things up and run a 4-3-3 formation next season
The Union’s leader in assists last season Chaco Maidana on the other hand has joined Andrew Wenger in a trade to Houston. It should be no surprise that Maidana has left the Union, Houston become the ninth team to home the enganche in his MLS career. But still, he was second in the MLS in assists last season and easily the Union’s hub of creativity for the most part.
The two leave the Union in exchange for allocation funds and what looks to be whatever becomes the highest Dynamo pick in the upcoming SuperDraft. This could see the Union with both a number 3 and a number 6 pick..things are looking good for the Bethlehem Steel right?
Both Brian Carroll and Conor Casey have been released and will be eligible for the re-entry draft whilst Austin Berry has found a new home at a team in Cincinnati.
Perhaps the saddest move of all came in the way of Danny Cruz who has reportedly found a new home overseas. A touching letter showing just how classy he truly is hit home with a lot of fans who were inspired by Danny’s passion for the game and the fans he learned to call a family.
Just a thank you. Cc: @SonsofBen pic.twitter.com/eECYA3prDK
— Danny Cruz (@Dannycruz5) December 7, 2015
Interestingly, the following players have been named eligible for the re-entry draft:
Fred
Cruz (seemingly unlikely after the emotional letter that would have caused tears from the Union Hulk)
Warren Creavalle,
Antione Hoppenot,
Zac MacMath.
Got your head around that? Neither have we! There is set to be plenty more in the way of player movement in the following days. Your best bet to catch news as it breaks would be to follow any of the following accounts on Twitter and turn notifications on (so your phone makes a nice bleep when some news breaks)
@PhiladelphiaSN
@KevinKCBS3
@sportsdoctormd
@SonsOfBen
@BrotherlyGame
@phillysoccerpg
