This off-season has been a quiet one for the Union. In years past the Union’s coaching staff has been solidified, and they usually have already made one new signing. That’s not the case in 2018. The Union have yet to add a new piece to their team, and have seen two coaching vacancies go unfilled. That is until now; reports have surfaced linking former MLS and USMNT player Pat Noonan will join the Union as an assistant coach. What could this mean for the Union moving forward?
Ahead of winter camp, USMNT's temporary coaching staff undergoing changes https://t.co/iS4f1nl51x #mls #lafc #doop #slu
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 7, 2018
The Washington Post reports that Noonan is on his way to Philadelphia. The question is, will he take on the same role that former assistant coach Mike Sorber had with the Union? Sorber was the coach who ran a lot of the practices while Curtin evaluated the players. This is an interesting dynamic and would seem to be one that the Union want to continue. If Noonan comes in and resumes this role how will he fare?
Scorer of first ever goal at then-named PPL Park is set to be announced as @philaunion assistant coach – Pat Noonan (who scored as a member of @SoundersFC, also played with @NERevolution, @ColumbusCrewSC & @ColoradoRapids. Has been assistant coach with @LAGalaxy & @ussoccer_mnt). https://t.co/uNiNhCRYWY
— Union Rumors (@UnionRumors) January 7, 2018
Playing Career:
Noonan had a long MLS career before becoming a coach. He played five years in New England, two years in Columbus, a year in Colorado, two years in Seattle (where he scored the first ever goal at PPL Park/Talen Energy Stadium) and a lone year with LA Galaxy. He has also featured for the USMNT, being capped 14 times and scoring once. His playing career, was only the beginning of his soccer journey.
Coaching Career:
After his playing career ended, Noonan joined Bruce Arena as an assistant coach with LA Galaxy in 2013. He coached there for three seasons, helping LA teams make playoff runs. He then followed his head coach to the USMNT at the end of 2016. Noonan has learned from one of the greatest coaches in MLS history, Bruce Arena. Should he take the responsibility of running practices the Union players will no doubt benefit from Noonan’s MLS’ playing and coaching experiences.
Pat Noonan to the Union:
I also have my own confirmation of Steve’s report that Pat Noonan is joining the Union’s coaching staff as Mike Sorber’s replacement. https://t.co/aNZltuqS1j
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 7, 2018
The Union have yet to make this hire official, but it seems like Noonan will join Philadelphia’s staff. His experience playing in the league, and coaching at a high level over the last five years, make him an excellent hire for the Union Now that the Union have filled a coaching vacancy, maybe they’ll now turn to signing players to help solidify their roster.
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Peace out Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
