Union Cut Cope, Derschang

According to Union staff writer Dave Zeitlin, the club has cut 2014 Second Round Draft Picks Kevin Cope and Robbie Derschang. Cope, the Second Round's Sixth Pick (Twenty-fifth Pick overall) from Michigan State University, and Derschang, the Second Round's Eighth Pick (Twenty-seventh Pick overall) from University of Akron, were both drafted to help shore up the Union's thin defensive corps.

The Union now seem content to go with what can best be described as a patchwork 6 man rotation on defense, with a right back (Raymon Gaddis), a converted forward (Sheanon Williams), a left back (Fabinho), an untested center back (Ethan White), a converted defensive midfielder (Amobi Okugo), and an untested rookie defender (Richie Marquez – at least for the time being) comprising the back line. While Williams and Okugo are All-Star caliber at right back and center back respectively, it was expected that Cope and Derschang would act as either late game substitutes or be sent to Harrisburg for development. Instead, it appears that (at least from preseason play) Aaron Wheeler, Cristhian Hernandez, and Matt Kassel will serve as the second line of defense (pun slightly intended) in the event of injuries or suspensions. As for Marquez? If he’s not cut, expect him to spend 2014 in Harrisburg.