Danny Califf Officially Out, But Juan Diego Gonzalez Does Not Travel To Portland

Starting center back Danny Califf will not play tonight for the Philadelphia Union, per a tweet by the Philadelphia Union’s official Twitter account.

Califf was questionable prior to the team’s official announcement, due to an undisclosed illness that was eventually used as the reason why the former United States international defender is out. In addition, according to the Union’s play-by-play broadcast JP Dellacamera, back up center back Juan Diego Gonzalez is not among the Union players listed on the team’s travel roster.

Without Gonzalez available to start in Califf's stead, the Union's head coach Piotr Nowak's center back options rest almost solely with second year defensive midfield Amobi Okugo. After impressing at center back with the Generation Adidas team in Spain against Aletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Okugo became an option for Nowak in defense. Okugo had started the Union's last two games at defensive center midfield to much media and fan acclaim.

Already without left back Jordan Harvey, the Union are set to be tested defensively against a Portland Timbers team that is 3-0-0 at home, with 9 goals in three games at Jeld-Wen Field. Michael Farfan or twin Gabriel Farfan will most likely feature at left back in place of Harvey, who is suspended for the Union’s game against the Timbers due to a red card he picked up against the San Jose Earthquakes.