The Philadelphia Daily News’ Kerith Gabriel questions Philadelphia Union’s youth movement, and it’s pretty clear he falls into the “win now” camp. Yeah, you and a lot of others, but come see me in 2011 or 2012 when Union Jack’s the most exciting player in the league. Then we can talk about that 20-20 hindsight thing.

Sports Illustrated Tobias Lopez columnist explores the importance of MLS academies in a pretty good read.

That kid in our featured photo is Zach Pfeffer, the FC Delco player who played for the Union on Wednesday in a friendly against Chivas Guadalajara. If signed by the Union, he would be the youngest MLS player since Freddy Adu, whose first professional coach was — you guessed it — Peter Nowak. Hopefully Pfeffer has a better experience when he eventually makes the leap. The kid looks like he can play.

Gabriel’s colleague, columnist Sam Donnellon, becomes the latest to weigh in on the Sons of Ben’s behavior as the Daily News discovers that SOB stands for something else too. Best line of the column: one SOB’s derisive reference to “Main Line mommies.” Ouch.

The Portland Timbers already have something the Union don’t: a jersey sponsor. Alaska Airlines will be the name emblazoned upon the Timbers’ jerseys. Never heard of Alaska Airlines? Me neither.I guess that makes this a smart move by the airline, eh? (Imagine hearing those words about any U.S. airline, but I digress.)

English rugby star Danny Cipriani is training with the Colorado Rapids. Yeah, this might be the league for a rugby player to make it in, considering the beating Alejandro Moreno takes each game he plays. More on Cipriani from Goal.com.

David Beckham is reportedly eying a Sept. 11 return, several weeks ahead of schedule. Oh, that Beckham, ever with the sense of the dramatic. (Oh, that me, I’ll be in LA and was planning to catch the Galaxy-Crew game that day. Is this good or bad that Beckham is coming back for that game? Better go buy my tickets already.)

The Kansas City Wizards’ Teal Bunbury talks about declining Canada’s call-up to the national team. Really, it has nothing to do with the fact that he wants to maintain his eligibility for the U.S., where he could also play.

International soccer

We missed this the other day, but a delegation from Philly will meet with FIFA’s World Cup evaluators next week when the latter come to the U.S. The meeting won’t be in Philly though.

Speaking of which, FIFA inspectors said Iberian stadiums are perfect for big soccer matches after inspecting them as part of evaluation of Spain and Portugual’s joint bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups. The stadiums inspected were Barcelona’s Camp Nou, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Benfica’s Stadium of Light and FC Porto’s Stadium of the Dragon. Yeah, of course they’re nice, but the U.S. has at least 20 stadiums that can match what other countries have four of.

Tim Vickery looks at just how far behind Brazil is on preparations for the 2014 World Cup hosted there, like only deciding last week which stadium in Sao Paolo to use. “Taking so long to sort out such basic issues comes across as gross incompetence,” Vickery writes. Gee, there’s a surprise. Obviously FIFA was not familiar with the concept I like to call “Brazilian time.” It means you sort of take your sweet old time, and oh by the way, if there’s a deadline for something, yeah, maybe you’ll make it, maybe you won’t, but whatever, there will be a party at the end and that’s all that matters, right? Awesome. I’m in. Yeah, I picked this one up down in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, when our wedding in my wife’s neighborhood started around an hour late and people just came to the party whenever (if they were invited or not) and … oh, sorry, I digress.

Manager Pep Guardiola is set to sign a contract extension with Barcelona. Of course, if you can’t win with those guys, you can’t win anywhere.

Here’s a pretty interesting story on how the English team with the best record got relegated out of the Football League not too long ago.

(Photo: Paul Rudderow)

TV: 6abc

One of Major League Soccer’s hottest teams visits Chester this Saturday as Philadelphia Union host the Kansas City Wizards.

The Wizards (7-9-5) have gone 4-1-2 over their last seven games, with wins over both conference’s first place teams. Bolstered by the return of holding midfielder Stephane Auvray, they have revived the early season form that saw them win their first two games before injuries initiated a miserable stretch. English winger Ryan Smith and rookie first round draft pick Teal Bunbury have impressed, while Danish backstop Jimmy Nielsen has been among the league’s best goalkeepers this season. Former Union defender Shavar Thomas has resurrected his career, breaking into the starting lineup after being traded to the Wizards to end a mostly bench-ridden tenure with the Union.

The Union (5-11-5) broke their own winless streak last Saturday with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over a 10-man New England Revolution squad. Philadelphia capped that with a 1-0 win in a friendly against Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara on Wednesday. Newly acquired midfielder Justin Mapp scored one of those goals and assisted on the other two, both of which were scored by rookie Jack McInerney, and the two look to be in prime form. Shea Salinas, who has been out with a leg fracture, could return to the field Saturday. The Union continue to look for their first regular season shutout of the year as they seek to avoid setting a new MLS record for futility in that regard, but perhaps their clean sheet against Chivas and the excellent play of Mapp, McInerney and Roger Torres could help take some pressure off the defense.

Probable starters

Philadelphia

Goalkeeper: Chris Seitz

Defenders: Jordan Harvey, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal

Midfielders: Justin Mapp, Roger Torres, Stefani Miglioranzi, Sebastien Le Toux

Forwards: Danny Mwanga, Jack McInerney

Kansas City

Goalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen

Defenders: Roger Espinoza, Jimmy Conrad, Shavar Thomas, Michael Harrington

Midfielders: Ryan Smith, Craig Rocastle, Stephane Auvray, Davy Arnaud, Teal Bunbury

Forwards: Kei Kamara

Injuries and suspensions

Philadelphia: QUESTIONABLE: FW Alejandro Moreno (R hamstring strain); FW Sebastien Le Toux (L knee contusion); MF Shea Salinas (L fibula fracture); PROBABLE: MF Eduardo Coudet (R foot contusion).

Kansas City: OUT: MF Zoltan Hercegfalvi (R knee sprain/torn ACL)

Match-ups

Philadelphia defense vs. Kansas City attackers

The Wizards typically play one man up top, either Kei Kamara (he of the epic miss earlier this year), newly acquired Birahim Diop, or Josh Wolff, the latter of whom finds himself on the wing more often than not of late. Kamara has netted eight times this year, but it’s taken him 57 shots to do it. Diop scored both his goals in one game this season after being recently signed. The one striker is not so important as the attacking midfielders who support him, and Smith and Bunbury have been in good enough form to nudge Wolff to the bench.

Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz continues to look for his first shutout. He has made the routine stops in recent weeks but not the great ones, ticking the scoreboard from zero every game. Fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Michael Orozco Fiscal have hit a rough patch, though they nearly combined for a goal against Chivas on Wednesday, a game in which Orozco looked much better once moved to center back, where he has played most of his career. Juan Diego Gonzalez and Danny Califf have been up and down of late in the center. Both are strong, smart quality center backs who nonetheless lack the speed to handle quick attacking midfielders one on one.

Edge: Even

Philadelphia midfield vs. Kansas City midfield

Kansas City coach Peter Vermes sends out a five-man midfield that creates a formation alternately described as 4-5-1, 4-2-3-1, or 4-1-4-1, depending on who’s looking. The key players here are Auvray and Smith, both in their first season with the Wizards. Auvray, who spent most of his career in France, is the engine that makes this midfield churn. Smith is the brilliantly talented 23-year-old midfielder who was unappreciated in England but has blossomed given playing time in MLS. The rest of the midfield is stacked with talent too, including Davy Arnaud, who played for the U.S. national team in the Gold Cup last year; Bunbury, who is seen as a future Canadian international; Craig Rocastle, a solid if unspectacular central midfielder, and Wolff, who may be out of favor but has been one of the league’s best for years.

For the Union, it’s anybody’s guess who starts Saturday. In a way, it’s a question of age. If manager Peter Nowak starts who he’s started most of the summer, then expect a lineup of Fred, Eduardo Coudet, Stefani Miglioranzi and, well, you’re guess is as good as mine. But if he goes with the hot hands (and youth), then it could be Justin Mapp, Roger Torres, Sebastien Le Toux and either Andrew Jacobson or Amobi Okugo at a holding midfielder spot. The latter group has played very well over the last two games, showing the width and attacking prowess that had been lacking under the former group. For now, we’ll expect the old hands, until we see differently.

Edge: Kansas City

Philadelphia forwards vs. Kansas City defense

Jimmy Nielsen has eight shutouts this year for Kansas City, and he was good enough to force (and justify) the trade of Kevin Hartman, who was player of the month in August for his new team, FC Dallas. In front of him, Jimmy Conrad has continued to play solid ball, flanked by a good left back in Honduran international Roger Espinoza. Thomas was an absolute disaster in his one game for the Union and never saw the field for them again after that, but he has been a starter since the Wizards acquired him. Right back Michael Harrington is better known for his bizarre April Fools Day video than his play, but he’s actually a pretty decent player.

Other teams figured out how to stop the Union defensively, particularly when Le Toux is playing up top. Simply close down the middle, track Le Toux, and you stop the offense. Le Toux’s push out to right midfield tends to open up spots for the forwards to work and allows him a lot of freedom to go wide and create. He could start at forward or right midfield. Danny Mwanga is the other starter, having shown excellent finishing but little ability to create his own shots outside the box. Jack McInerney is the wild card, having scored in his last two games and shown great touch and creative daring all season long. If he starts, look for Le Toux at midfield and a much more interesting game.

Edge: Even

Individual match-up to watch

Ryan Smith vs. Michael Orozco Fiscal

Smith is the creative key for Kansas City and someone who’s very fun to watch. Orozco is an excellent defender who has struggled to adjust to an outside back role, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is very good at locking down opposition attackers.

Prediction

If the Union go with the grown-ups, they lose 2-0. If they play the kids, then this one’s a coin toss.

(Photo: Paul Rudderow)

The Union have a nice piece on Brad Knighton’s play in the victory on their website. Hopefully Peter Nowak reads it.

The New England Revolution fell 2-1 to Monarcas Morelia of Mexico in the SuperLiga Final.

Columbus defeated DC United and Seattle took down Chivas USA to set up the US Open Cup Final.

The Independence lost their 3rd straight game, falling 2-0 in Chicago, but still clinched a playoff berth last night. PSP has the report here. Goal.com has it here.

Soccer by Ives has an NCAA Men’s Soccer Preview up. No love for any area teams, so don’t get your hopes up.

EPL teams trimmed their squads down to 25 yesterday. A full list is here. Really ManU, Owen Hargreaves?

Europe’s top coaches have backed the concept of having five referees in Champions League games.

Portugual coach Carlos Queiroz has been suspended for six months for allegedly disrupting a drug test before the World Cup.

Spurs completed the signing of Dutch International Rafael van der Vaart seemingly 14 hours after the transfer window had shut, but the deal went through with the league claiming there was trouble with Spurs computer servers. Harry Redknapp is red in the face over the whole thing. Or just red in the face for no particular reason, it’s hard to tell.

A teenage star’s catastrophic knee injury in Scotland has drawn more ire for soccer on artificial turf.

Though they dropped their third straight match last night, the Independence’s strong start to the year is going to be enough to see them into the postseason thanks to Sky Blue FC’s 1-1 tie with first place FC Gold Pride.

The Chicago Red Stars, already eliminated from playoff contention, came into last night’s match determined to defend their home turf. Veronica Boquete knocked in a Casey Nogueira free kick in the fourth minute to put the home team on top, and Philadelphia’s offense couldn’t respond. Even with the lead, Chicago pressed forward and locked the Independence in their own half for much of the first forty-five.

Philadelphia responded by inserting Joanna Lohman for Sara Larsson at the half. No tactics or substitutions could stop the Red Stars from doubling their lead in the 54th when Marian Dalmy’s brilliant run from the back caught Karen Carney’s eye. The midfielder’s well-timed pass was matched by a beautiful finish as Dalmy placed her shot over Val Henderson from well outside the box. The goal took any remaining wind from the Independence’s sails.

Philadelphia inserted Lianne Sanderson and Danesha Adams as the second half progressed, but neither was able to provide the spark the team has lacked in recent weeks. Although Philly took twelve shots, only four were on net. This coupled with three offsides suggests a lack of concentration that the team will need to address before the playoffs.

There is no questioning the talent of this Independence team. In their inaugural season they have delivered not only excitement and passion, but strong, attacking soccer.

If you are tired of watching the Union’s fullbacks remained pinned in their defensive half, tune in on September 11th at 8:30pm on Fox Soccer Channel. The Independence will face a tough final test against Marta and FC Gold Pride. While Gold Pride have a firm hold on first place, the Independence could leapfrog Boston and take over the number two spot with a win.

Mwanga - Lonely Up Top

Once the ball was eventually won, a glaring deficiency came to the fore.  Having a back-to-goal, target striker works wonderfully when streaking wingers can expose gaps behind defenses.  For the Union, and Mwanga on this night, the lack of real width resulted in a well trapped ball being played directly backwards to its provider.  The jury is still out on Mwanga’s ability to occupy this target role since, without any supporting runs, his hold up play cannot resulted in positive, offensive movements.

As Coudet and Miglioranzi parked their power chairs ever deeper, Zimmerman, Fred and Andrew Jacobsen flowed in and out of the game, each popping up on both sides of the field as well as centrally.  The unit of position-less players understandably lacked cohesion and more than one move ended with Fred standing on the ball, gesticulating wildly before being tackled.  Needless to say it was a dull, frustrating first half for the home supporters, and had it not been for some poor finishing and absurd histrionics (fortunately waved away by the official) by Chivas, the Union could have found themselves down a goal at halftime.

After halftime, however, the team that returned to the pitch looked completely different, literally.  While Brad Knighton was retained in goal and Michael Orozco Fiscal moved into central defense, all nine other players were replaced, leaving this formation :

Okugo-Midfield Destroyer

Knighton

Williams-Arrieta-Orozco Fiscal-Stahl

Noone -Torres-Nakazawa-Okugo-Mapp

McInerney

And they came out firing.  Roger Torres was quick to try and stamp his authority on the middle of the park, serving the ball well and making inroads for the Union as the young squad quickly gained a footing in the first minutes of the second half.  Just as it was on the weekend, in the 48th minute Justin Mapp’s well-weighted ball found a darting McInerney who cooly buried the finish, all of this before the public address announcer had completed the comically long list of substitutions.

McInerney - Scoring Goals for Fun

As Chivas attempted to regain control of play, Amobi Okugo began to assert himself all over the pitch, canceling out opportunity after opportunity.  Settling in behind Torres and Nakazawa, Okugo not only retrieved the ball but was clever and accurate in providing his own service up the pitch.  With the Union pressing into the final third, two inch-perfect Nakazawa free kicks were not converted and the margin remained at one, and while that was enough on the day, the second half was not without its share of nervous moments.  Brad Knighton reacted well to parry clear a number of long-distance cannon blasts and was even quicker off his line to deal with a low, searching cross from the endline.  If his nerves following his dramatic ejection against Dallas were frayed, he certainly did not let on, and he was the first to every ball in and around his area.  One player who did have a nervy evening was new signing Sheanon Williams.  While his pace is everything that was advertised, he looked jumpy and unsure with the ball at his feet.  Its hard to make much of this first showing for the 20 year old Williams, but it is promising to see an outside fullback who can consistently make up yards of turf in a foot race.

Special mention to tonight’s officials who did very well in the face of the well-practiced simulation tactics of the visitors.  For my money, a player going to ground and holding his face is one of, if not THE, lowest tactics in soccer and to see it happen twice inside of a five-minute span made my blood boil.  The referee maintained both his composure and control of the match throughout, consistently waving play on as one after another player hit the deck, handing out only the most necessary fouls and cautions.  His judgments allowed for a flowing, enjoyable match and for that he and his crew deserve a great deal of credit.

Starters

Brad Knighton – 9 – The shot-stopping was great, but that’s not what stood out about Knighton’s performance tonight.  Quick off his line and strong in the air and brimming with confidence, he was sporting his best “No chance, not tonight” look throughout the match.

Jordan Harvey – 4 – Clearly has been reading the Philly Soccer Page’s assessment of his recent performances.  Tried early and often to get up field but still was unable to provide useful service and by the end of the first half had reverted to back passes at every occasion.  Earned a silly yellow card for a poor wrestling maneuver performed at midfield.

Juan Diego Gonzalez – 7 – When the alarm bells started ringing, Gonzalez kept his cool and made several vital tackles to keep the mounting Chivas threat at bay.

Danny Califf – 5 – Lack of speed was exposed, fortunately not too brutally.  His inability to provide any type of service going forward is a big concern since it both stymies counterattacks and causes dangerous turnovers.

Michael Orozco Fiscal – 6 – Largely anonymous in the first half before stepping into the center of defense and helping to shut the door on the Chivas threat.  Looked comfortable against a team he has seen before.

Stefani Miglioranzi – 5 – Flowed around the midfield but was not up to the speed of the game and did not win as many balls as we have grown accustomed to seeing from him.  Turned the ball over a lot without significant pressure.

Eduardo Coudet – 5 – Coudet’s audition as the free kick taker was a dismal one.  His two corners were wildly over hit and the hunt for a free kick specialist continues.

Fred – 3 – Ground to a halt, literally.  Took ten touches when two would have been plenty.  Personally responsible for killing many Union attacks.

Andrew Jacobsen – 5 – Largely anonymous.  Clearly is not an attacking player.  After having launched two long distance bombs in substitute appearances, Jacobsen has now been moved forward into the attack.  He does not belong there, and it looks like he knows it.

Nick Zimmerman – 6 – Looked good chasing deep balls but offered very little in the other facets of the game.  Ran into Mwanga’s space often rather than pulling defenders away, but ran hard and battled all over the field.

Danny Mwanga – 6 – Frustrating night for Mwanga.  Did well to hold up play but lack of support killed his momentum.  The few slicing runs he made were well-timed but saw him running after bad service.  Looking more and more nimble with the ball at his feet.

Substitutes

Toni Stahl – 2 – This kid cannot catch a break.  Used at left back, the gangly Stahl could not have been further out of his element.  It’s hard to blame him though and he might do well to be let go by the Union and allowed to restart his career with a club where he would have the opportunity to play his actual position.

Christian Arrieta – 6 – Vocal and commanding out of the back, Arrieta was not without his regular few mistakes, namely a softly-weighted header back to Knighton’s box that did not quite get there.  Looks like a player with all the tools to be an above average bench player.

Sheanon Williams – 5 – The speed is there which is a good thing, because with all the mistakes he made, he needed to do a lot of chasing back.  I’m willing to put most of it down to nerves and wait for his first MLS appearance.  Williams is still only 20, and with some polish could become a fixture.

Justin Mapp – 7 – Worked hard on defense and sprang McInerney for the Union’s goal with another lovely ball.  His one-footedness continues to be a problem given how completely one-dimensional it makes him.

Amobi Okugo – 9 – As far as I’m concerned, this kid is a starter.  His work rate is marvelous and combined with his soft touch on the ball and his tackling instincts it seems crazy that he is not getting more of a look in league play.  At every 50-50 ball tonight, Okugo won much more than his fair share of ball and has the veteran knack for knowing when to take a foul and slow the game down.

Roger Torres – 8 – Came out swinging from the opening whistle of the second half.  A constant danger to the Chivas defense, Torres was the most willing to try and make things happen.  As the match went on his eagerness got the better of him and he started taking on 2 and 3 players at a time.  Part of his maturation will involve slowing himself down, which is a MUCH better problem to have than trying to speed someone up.

Kyle Nakazawa – 7 – Strikes a mean free kick, two of which could have led directly to Union goals if not for some bad luck.  Like Torres, seemed eager to mix it up tonight and showed some fire as twice he came into confrontation with Chivas players in the middle of the park.

J.T. Noone – 5 – Started strongly with some deft touches that allowed the Union to retain possession.  Faded as the game wore on, seemed very unsure of what position he was playing.

Jack McInerney – 8 – Another game, another classy Jack Mac finish.  His composure in goal-scoring situations cannot be undervalued.

Zach Pfeffer – N/A – A late-cameo for the 15 year-old FC Delco product did not come to much, but he looked quickly up to speed and moved the ball well when called upon to do so.

(For photos from the match, click here.)

Williams played this season with the Harrisburg City Islanders, a USL-2 affiliate of Philadelphia Union, thanks largely to the intercession of Union assistant coach John Hackworth, who worked with Williams as a youth international. The Union have not yet announced the signing, which was reported by the Boston Globe earlier today. The Union confirmed it later on their web site.

Williams has played both right back and striker, and he could see time at either or both for the Union, who lack depth on defense and potentially at forward. He is 20 years old and was an all-American in high school. After playing a year for the University of North Carolina, Williams left school early for trials with European teams such as Wolfsburg in Germany but returned stateside without a contract. He recently had trials with the New  York Red Bulls and New England Revolution before signing with the Union.

The Union have an open roster spot and likely do not have to cut anyone to make room for Williams on the 24-man roster.

For more on Williams, check out PSP’s feature on Williams and the other former youth internationals signed by Harrisburg this season. This one was brewing for a while.

Gareth Wheeler of SlamSports is pumped to watch the beginning of the rise of Canadian soccer.

Scary news about WPS as the COO was laid off and the national marketing department (of two people) was disbanded. The league says it will focus on local promotion from now on.

According to SoccerSceneUSA, online voting for the WPS postseason awards has opened on the WPS website.

A beer and whiskey blogger takes in PPL Park. And he is impressed.

Francisco Varallo, the last living player from the 1930 World Cup final between Argentina and Uruguay, died yesterday.

With Bob Bradley out of the running, Everton manager David Moyes is the new favorite to become the leader at Aston Villa. Don’t do it, Dave! I hate your team, but not you. And these sideways moves rarely work out.

And for my loyal Reading readers: Pour some out for Gylfi Sigurdsson, that is. The Icelandic midfielder is on his way to Hoffenheim after Reading agreed to a 6 million pound fee. Gylfi was the catalyst for Reading’s improbably run to the top half of the table in the Championship last year.

And in sad Liverpool news:

Lucas vows to stay and fight

Oh god… why.

Gomez keen on Reds

OH DEAR GOD, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Bastian Schweinsteiger is that powerful controlling midfielder whose quickness and precision passing is complemented by an aptitude that has him finish many a run to the back post after dishing the ball off. He scored on such a run in the 90^th minute to give Bayern the dramatic 2-1 win in week one after Wolfsburg tied the match in the 55^th during a harrying 10 minutes.

Sweinsteiger’s ruggedness is matched by the calculated brutality of Dutchman Mark Van Bommel, who has a penchant for the professional, and at times nasty foul, a la Man U’s Paul Scholes. Van Bommel, in locking up the defensive end of mid, is just as likely to frustrate would be attackers as he is to fiercely go through them in way akin to Nemanja Vidic or Gennaro Gattuso of a few years ago.

Frenchman Frank Ribery will have even more choices for his deadly crosses and indirect kicks once Arjen Robben returns to the lineup; sidelined with a lingering injury, Robben’s deceptive, weightless shiftiness was a joy to watch during the World Cup, his ability to cut inside, fire in an instant, and hit the target with precision something magical.

All the better then that wunderkind Thomas Müller should be even more explosive for Bayern following a World Cup where he stepped into and made the #13 shirt his own with a golden boot winning performance; and that’s exactly how he started the season, receiving a chip in the air to knock the ball back up and fire home a volley inside the box.

The excitement of that goal on Friday the 20^th, struck home in the 9^th minute against a Wolfsburg team that had enough chances to earn a better result, was heightened by my surroundings. While I sat at the bar at Brauhaus Schmitz, Philly’s German beer hall, the subdued atmosphere was impinged upon by echoes of a jubilant crowd, a raucous celebration that seemed never to abate.

'700 Special' (Yards ESA and an Italian deluxe hoagie from Palm Tree Market). You're now on notice.

The cries of yellow clad Dortmund fans on the following Sunday for their team to “Weitermacht, weitermacht,” (“Continue, continue”), even with their concern – Dortmond was down 2-nil — recalled the giddy passion of Supa Deutschland, a chant whose slightly altered words Union fans should adopt according to Chef Jeremy Nolan, given that we already employ the tune at river’s end.

And then there’s the sandwich that gives half of the previously mentioned “700 special” — a brilliant Italian deluxe hoagie from the nearby Palm Tree market — a run for best game time nahrung. If a cookie can bring back one’s childhood, then the döner kebab can send one past mere echoes to make the world’s greatest sporting event an everyday occurrence.

Yes, that’s right, as with the 700, it is actually possibly to receive a “thank you for drinking before noon” discount at a soccer bar.

Dr. Who had his TARDIS. You can have a döner kebab.

As I dove into the marinated lamb and beef mix doused with garlic mayo and a crisp chili based tomato hot sauce in congregation with radishes, pickles, and watercress inside a homemade flatbread, each bite brings back the maddening course of the opening round’s three-a-days, the white knuckle intensity of the knockouts where the team scarves decorating the wall next to the gleaming Germany Purity Law dwindled more and more with each passing match day. Your taste buds buzz and you’re off. Flags dance. Au pairs with painted faces beam effusively. Cowbells sing. I hold the conch to my ear and I hear the packed Brauhaus’ din.

All the better that the sandwich introduced back in June — now available every Sat and Sunday during the season — can be paired with equally delicious Franziskaner and Warsteiner specials ($4) during all Bundesliga matches (as well as all early or non-weekend Union games). Yes, that’s right, as with the 700, it is actually possibly to receive a thank you for drinking before noon discount at a soccer bar.

…as the result instantly became perhaps the most stunning in world club football this term.

And with emphasis, that’s exactly the stamp that Brauhaus is wearing these days. Like The 700, they had the aforementioned great turnouts from June 11^th through July 11^th and are now settling into the cast of die-hard regulars that come out to watch and study the game with frequency. The difference, of course, is that it’s also a magnet for ex-pats and anyone who followed a team while living in or visiting Deutschland, since it has taken up Ludwig’s mantel of being the only place in town to hang your umlaut.

As with the opening match a week ago, this past Friday’s Bayern match brought stunning excitement, albeit for quite different reasons. Their opponent, the recently promoted Kaiserslautern, seemed certain to suffer a nearly eponymous fate. But what happened however, left several eager to jibe the Bavarian born second shift bartender as the result instantly became perhaps the most stunning in World club football this term.

…again, meine Bayerin Deutsche freundin, Union fans feel your pain.

On two separate plays two minutes apart in the first half where they perhaps made the Union feel a little better after Sunday, Bayern, who came within an Inter Milan of securing the treble, spotted the upstart underdogs two devastating goals. On the first, Ilo Ilicevic, running parallel to the top of the box, got to the ball ahead of a defender to strike a wonder shot whose arc beautifully cut across the keeper before sailing the ball into the upper right corner as it dropped. The second goal, eerily reminiscent of Allsopp’s uncontested 2^nd for D.C. United this past weekend, featured an Ilicevic cross pass that a surging forward Srdjan Lakic smacked home with alacrity. While Bayern botched chances in the first, they were fortunate to head to the room only down 2-nil.

All the more stunning was how Kaiserslautern maintained their lead in the second, with a befuddled and frustrated Bayern continuing to come ever so close. Again, meine Bayerin Deutsche freundin, Union fans feel your pain.  The other standouts that draw one to watch Bayern were accounted for in this regard. Miroslav Klose, who recently entrenched himself further amidst World Cup lore, made fans incredulous on either side of a confounding decision to attempt to thread the ball through to a charging teammate at the goalmouth when he had the angle to slot home. On Klose’s third such  attempt in a short span, Philippe Lahm, rushing up the right from the defense around the 55^th, sent a delicious cross into the area only for him to strike well high.

…the Union should take note of what can happen when sheer mettle emerges to spill over into every pass, while informing the team’s composure in defense and transition.

Toni Kroos, on for 3-goal Champions League semi-final man Ivica Ozil in the 63^rd, had his turn to come gloriously shy of goal.  Like Müller, Kroos made the Germany team while proven senior squad members like Törsten Frings were left home. He showed his great promise again when receiving a ball nodded back from the touchline; he viciously took to the volley, surely leaving some sting in the fingertips and face of Tobias Sippel who dove to make the massive save. Equally impressive from the bench for Bayern was Danijel Pranjic, who linked up with Kroos close-in via beautiful crossing. The result, however, was more of the same, with the keeper’s reflexes stunning us all.

The depth of talent on Bayern only served to reinforce the awe directed towards what Kaiserslautern was doing to them. As much as their keeper bailed them out at times, it was hardly a ‘weather the storm’ second half, as the underdogs played with an unwavering fortitude, surging ahead to bring delectable chances into being each time they confounded Bayern in their end.

To bring our team into it again, the Union should take note of what can happen when sheer mettle emerges to spill over into every pass, while informing the team’s composure in defense and transition. Rather than Ribery, it was a heretofore unheralded Kaiserslautern player who continuously tore up the right wing in the second half while the world took notice.

Two stunning, albeit disparate results from a team and league to watch. And even if there were other places devoted to Bundesliga, I couldn’t imagine a better perch.

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Philadelphia was on the front foot to start the game and were rightly rewarded for their efforts.  Amy Rodriguez dummied a ball from Lori Lyndsay on the top of the box, where it ran to Lohman.  Lohman’s one touch pass put Rodriguez in on goal, where she slammed a right footed shot off the far post.  The rebound landed in the path of Lohman who half volleyed in from close range.  But the lead would last less than 20 minutes, as Stephanie Cox curled a Kristine Lilly corner kick into the top corner of the Independence net.  The Boston come back was complete when Kelly Smith stroked home a coolly hit penalty after Lauren Cheney was pulled down in the box.  The penalty for Smith was really her only sniff at the Independence goal all night, as Jen Buczkowski kept the Boston star at bay for most of the match, never missing an opportunity to knock her down.  Philadelphia had chances to level the match again, and a goal from Caroline Seger was waved off for offsides on 74 minutes.

The win for Boston puts them within 2 points of the Independence for the crucial 2nd place position and a home game in the playoffs.  Boston still has 3 games remaining while Philly only has 2.  Wednesday’s game against already eliminated Chicago is now an important one for Philly, as they finish up the regular season travelling to first place FC Gold Pride, another team they haven’t beaten all season.  It seems like the Independence just can’t find the final few points to guarantee themselves that 2nd spot, after throwing away points for the 2nd week in a row.

Fox Soccer Channel proved they are equally inept at broadcasting women’s soccer as they are at showing the men’s game.  Numerous times, replays were shown while live play was happening.  I suppose it’s a good thing that they don’t discriminate.

US Soccer extended Bob Bradley’s contract today until the 2014 World Cup. Many people are upset by this move, but given Bradley’s accomplishments so far it is a good decision. While a more high profile European coach might have added some star power to the national team set up, it wouldn’t necessarily have been successful. With the exception of Jurgen Klinsmann there doesn’t appear to be a high profile coach that has a strong familiarity with US Soccer or American culture.

While Jurgen Klinsmann could have brought his experience from coaching the German national team and his excellent career, he does not have a lot of coaching experience. Don’t forget that the German soccer federation did not continue with Klinsmann after the 2010 World Cup, where Klinsmann managed to guide the German team to 3^rd place. This doesn’t seem like a great accomplishment, though, considering that the German team had the talent to win the World Cup, especially since they had home country advantage. In addition Klinsmann had a very short stint at Bayern Munich.

As for Bob Bradley, he doesn’t have an excellent playing career to provide him gems of wisdom, but he has a great deal of experience as a coach. Of course coaching in MLS may not be that impressive. Bradley also has experience with the US U-23 national team and a full World Cup cycle with the Full men’s team. In addition his accomplishments at the international level speak for themselves.

To start, Bradley guided the US to finishing first in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, which hasn’t happened in the modern era. He also guided the US to win the 2007 Gold Cup, which qualified the US for the 2009 Confederations Cup. Then at the Confederations Cup he guided the US to 2^nd place while defeating the mighty Spanish team, which was on a major undefeated streak at the time.  Lastly, he won his World Cup Group, which the US has never done before. In addition the US was only bounced out of the tournament after losing to Ghana in overtime. There is no shame in that. Although it looked like the US could have gone further, the ball just doesn’t always bounce your way in soccer.

Bob Bradley has shown that he can motivate his players. The US has been fun to watch in part because of the never die attitude he has instilled. Certainly Bradley has his faults, but his accomplishments show that he has plenty of strengths too. Bob Bradley has done very well with the talent at his disposal. Considering the wealth of talent coming up from the youth ranks, Bradley may be able to accomplish even more than he did in his first four years. Of course the only thing he could do to top his first fours years is getting past the round of 16 in the 2014 World Cup. What do you think of Bob Bradley? What do you see as his strengths and weaknesses?