Wednesday Morning Union Freekicks: USOC Play-in Match vs. DC Tonight

In between matches against the MLS Cup-contending LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, the Union get to take on DC United tonight in a US Open Cup play-in match at the Maryland Soccerplex (more here on what to expect from our Joey Samuel). One of those really busy weeks where I do not envy the lives of the players. Today’s open discussion thread for all things Union and MLS.

RSL makes historic leap into Champions League finals [Michael C. Lewis, The Salt Lake Tribune] – RSL lost last night’s match at Saprissa 2-1, but won the series 3-2 on aggregate, and will take on either Cruz Azul or Monterrey. Congratulations are in order to Real Salt Lake and their fans, and certainly all MLS fans should wish them the absolute best.

Andy Najar Chooses Native Honduras Over USMNT [Jeremiah Oshan, SB Nation Soccer] – Unfortunately for the United States, this was the expected decision from last year's MLS Rookie of the Year.

Union Surpass 2010 Season Ticket Mark [Philadelphia Union Communications] – Not only are the Union’s local TV ratings on the rise, but so is their season ticket holder base. Some full and partial plans remain available.

Hello American Sports fans, you should be paying attention to Real Salt Lake [Denzel Eslinger, RSL Soapbox] – Excellent piece from our good friend. RSL’s CONCACAF Champions League run is/was not just about some sports teams representing its city in a domestic professional league — this is/was about a team representing our country.

Toronto FC’s modest goal to keep ‘moving in right direction’ [Daniel Girard, The Toronto Star] – Confirmation that Dwayne De Rosario requested his trade out of Toronto, where things likely won’t be pretty on the pitch for some time going forward.

Rapids' Conor Casey to miss at least two weeks with pulled hamstring [Nick Groke, The Denver Post] – A significant loss for the defending MLS Cup Champions.

Whitecaps president Lenarduzzi happy with team's start [The Canadian Press via TSN] – I would be, too, all things considered, especially after that incredible three goal comeback at home against Sporting KC last Sunday. Philadelphia fans, too, know very well after the Union barely managed to pull away with that 1-0 victory, despite playing much of the second half up a man, that Vancouver is a very determined, scrappy side.