Daily Links: Mbaizo hands in transfer request

Philadelphia Union News

Philadelphia Union sign Jim Curtin to contract extension
The Philadelphia Union’s longest-tenured head coach was inked to a contract extension, the club announced Tuesday. Curtin’s contract now runs through 2026.

Preview | Union wrap up road trip in the Music City on Wednesday
While Nashville SC is 3-2-0 in its last five matches, they currently own an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Music City. Philly found success in their first and only visit to the new MLS stadium with Uhre scoring the first goal in the stadium’s history in a 1-1 draw.

Olivier Mbaizo requests transfer over family’s continued visa issues
Mbaizo’s wife and son have been rejected for visas numerous times. They currently live in Cameroon. Mbaizo has now officially submitted a transfer request in the hopes of moving somewhere his family can join him.

Backup goalkeeper Joe Bendik is at the center of the Union’s losing streak
Bendik has given up eight goals in his four games as Andre Blake’s stand-in so far this summer. A growing chorus of critics wonders if third-string rookie Holden Trent would be better.

MLS News

Mounsef Bakrar officially joins NYCFC
Bakrar scored eight goals and tallied three assists in his first and only season with NK Istra in Croatia’s top division, and has made six appearances for Algeria’s U23 youth national team, scoring one goal for his country.

Whitecaps extend Andrés Cubas, securing keystone player for four more years
While statistically, he’s top 10 in the Major League Soccer for interceptions (34) and top 10 in the Western Conference in tackles (28), the 5-foot-4, 132-pounder’s influence on the team has been outsized. His ability to break up attacks, relieve pressure and trigger counters is unmatched on the team, and by few in MLS.

Tony Alfaro traded to LA Galaxy for $500,000
Alfaro hasn’t seen any minutes in the last four matches despite NYCFC finding themselves short-handed at center-back. In recent games, Cushing placed 20-year-old right-back Tayvon Gray and 21-year-old defensive midfielder Justin Haak in a back-three with Maxime Chanot, rather than play Alfaro and Chanot in a back-four.

Power Rankings: Seattle Sounders, St. Louis CITY leap after Matchday 24
The Union continue their freefall down the MLS Power Rankings coming in at number 9 in this week’s rankings.