Brotherly Game Daily Links: Curtin speaks ahead of Union’s trip to Columbus

Philadelphia Union News

Union turn their attention to defending Cup Champions
With the Round of 16 of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League behind them, Philadelphia Union are turning their focus to the MLS opener against Columbus. Head Coach Jim Curtin met with the media yesterday provide some team updates.

The State of the Union Part 3: Midfielders
A look under the hood of the Philadelphia Union midfield, which will again be key to the team’s success in 2021.

Philadelphia Union, Fox Sports The Gambler renew partnership
The Philadelphia Union and Fox Sports The Gambler announced a two-year deal to bring soccer to the airwaves through the iHeart Radio app and on 1480 AM, 102.5 FM in Philly or 104.5 HD2 for those with a HD2 radio.

MLS News

Sounders vs. Minnesota United, recap: Raúl Ruidíaz brace paces big win
As starts to the season go, a 4-0 win over Minnesota United is a pretty good one for the Seattle Sounders. The win wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline might suggest, though.

Dynamo survive late surge by San Jose, start season off with a win
The Dynamo looked in control of the visiting San Jose Earthquakes until a golazo by Paul Marie shifted the momentum. However, the Dynamo were able to outlast and get the season started with a win. 

Soccer on TV: How to watch MLS’ 26th season kick off this weekend
Games to watch this weekend include Inter Miami vs. the Los Angeles Galaxy on ABC, and Austin FC’s debut against LAFC on Fox.

Inter Miami becomes roster compliant, loans Pellegrini to USL side Fort Lauderdale
MLS rules stipulate that a team can “buy out” one guaranteed contract per year. The effect of this is that Miami will still have to pay Pellegrini, but he will not count against the team’s salary budget, and cannot play for the team this season.

Abila, Brenner, Pochettino and the MLS Newcomers to Watch
It was another busy offseason for Major League Soccer teams, with Designated Player spots, Targeted Allocation Money, and a new Young Designated Player Mechanism giving teams more ways to add firepower to their rosters.

U.S. Soccer News

U.S. Open Cup Likely to Be Canceled for Second Straight Year
Originally scheduled for May and June as an abbreviated 24-team competition due to logistical and financial concerns related to the pandemic, this year’s Open Cup was then cut to just 16 participants at the end of March. Eight berths were reserved for MLS teams, with the remaining eight scattered among American soccer’s lower divisions.

Rest of the World News

2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals schedule confirmed
Concacaf has confirmed the schedule for the Quarterfinals of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. The four home-and-away matchups will take place April 27-28 (first legs) and May 4-5 (second legs).