Daily Links: Union travel to Miami for first road game of the season

Philadelphia Union News

Know Your Enemy | Union hit the road to take on rejuvenated Inter Miami CF
Phil Neville’s squad knocked off a confusing CF Montreal team 2-0 to open the season, though there were plenty of opportunities for both sides to own the match. After talking up a two-striker system throughout preseason, an injury to star attacker Leo Campana led Neville to roll out a 4-2-3-1 that leaned on a solid duo in central midfield to control tempo while the fullbacks created width.

Jack Elliott on rise from Sunday league to marking Rooney and Bale in MLS
Born in Surrey, just south of London, his childhood wasn’t spent within a professional academy setup (notwithstanding a year at Fulham aged 12 and a subsequent trial at Crystal Palace).

MLS News

MLS Week 2 Preview: LAFC hosts Timbers, Galaxy visits FC Dallas, and more
The first MLS weekend of March gets underway on Saturday with the defending MLS Cup champions opening their schedule at Banc of California Stadium.

MLS willing to be flexible in order to seal Lionel Messi transfer — Don Garber
If MLS is going to land Messi, however, it will have to come up with a deal that can meet the hefty compensation he would command. When he joined PSG, The Athletic reported that the Argentine signed a contract worth at least €25million net per year, in addition to a €25m signing-on fee.

Santiago Rodríguez returns to NYCFC, signs Designated Player contract through 2027
In 2022, Rodríguez contributed four goals and 17 assists across the MLS regular season and playoffs, while also being the league’s joint-leader for “big chances created.”

The Crew complete loan for Gustavo Vallecilla from the Colorado Rapids
In exchange for Vallencilla, 23 years old, Columbus sends $175,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money back to the Rapids. As part of the loan agreement, the Crew will have the option to purchase the Ecuadorian from Colorado on a permanent basis at the end of the loan.