June 08, 2017

Union notes: Soft yellow cards, chipped teeth and a 'dream matchup'

By Kevin Kinkead
PhillyVoice Contributor

Paul Rudderow/Philly Soccer Page

Next Wednesday, the Philadelphia Union and Harrisburg City Islanders will meet in the U.S. Open Cup for the fourth time in six years.

Another week, another mystery participant at Philadelphia Union training.

Thursday's session featured United States youth product Danny Barbir, a 19-year-old Atlanta native who grew up in Allentown and briefly played in the Union academy.

The 6'3" center back was recently released by West Bromwich Albion, where he made 10 appearances this season for the Baggies' U23 team. He's staying fit in Philadelphia and previously trained with the Union first team before moving to Europe a few years back.

"Just a thing where he's trying to stay in shape," said head coach Jim Curtin. "He's a player you guys have seen in and around the team a bunch, a good young player. But at the same time, it's just strictly to train and keep fitness. The roster is, for the most part, full, especially at the center back spot."

For what it's worth, Barbir was used as a defensive midfielder in the training session.

On the injury front:

• Oguchi Onyewu did not train Thursday. He still has to clear "some tests" before practicing and has a nasty shiner below his left eye. Onyewu also chipped a tooth in the first-half collision that ultimately forced him to leave the New York City game.

• Warren Creavalle has a grade one hamstring issue and is still a few days away from practice.

• Fabian Herbers had an injection for his "right adductor partial avulsion." He's expected to be out for 5 to 6 more days.

• Chris Pontius was given some "professional" time off as a veteran player. He has no injury issues.

• Maurice Edu joined practice late and kicked the ball around with C.J. Sapong.

• Fafa Picault left training on a cart after he was accidentally chopped down by Fabinho during a 9v9 scrimmage.

Losing luster

Curtin started his press availability with a bit of sardonicism regarding next week's U.S. Open Cup matchup with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

"It's the dream matchup everyone's looking for," Curtin said. "That was sarcasm because we play them every year."

This will be the fourth time in six years that the Union has battled their ex-affiliate club in the USOC, a tournament organized regionally to minimize travel.

"You wish the Open Cup would be a little more open, and you could have a little more change in the opponents," continued Curtin. "We already know that if we win this one we'll probably play Red Bull again or NYC FC. It does lose a little luster and I'm sure Harrisburg feels the same way. They're probably tired of playing us."

US Open Cup: @city_islanders down @ReadingUnited in 3rd round, advance to face Philadelphia Union. Highlights: https://t.co/cqYkDyBi1V
— WFMZ-TV 69 Sports (@69Sports) June 1, 2017

Back in the USA

Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty rejoined the Union after spending the last few weeks with the United States' U20 squad.

Trusty made a brief appearance in the tournament and scored a great goal off the bench. Jones became a regular starter after Gedion Zelalem picked up an injury in the first group game.

Tab Ramos' squad was knocked out of the quarterfinals in a 2-1 extra time loss against finalists Venezuela.

"It was a great experience," Jones said. "I got to play against some top players from Europe. We did great and I don't regret anything. We went to the quarterfinals and played a great team and went to extra time. I don't regret anything. I'm just happy I was there."

Jones missed the Round of 16 victory over New Zealand after picking up a suspension-forcing yellow card that he called "soft."

For Trusty, this was his second World Cup go-round. The Union center back also played in the 2015 U17 tournament in Chile.

"Obviously, as you get older, the better (the players) are," Trusty explained. "I think the U17 one was about kids becoming professionals and getting into the whole entire program. In this one, most people are established professionals and everyone is kind of looking to get their chance and make an opportunity to further their career."