Brotherly Game

Official: Danny Califf Traded To Chivas USA For Michael Lahoud, Allocation Money

2012-05-17T19:35:00Z

The Philadelphia Union have traded Danny Califf to Chivas USA, after Major League Soccer approved a deal that sent the central defender back to Southern California, where he grew up.

The two-time captain headed to Chivas USA in return for Michael Lahoud. Chivas will also send allocation money to Philadelphia in return for the former United States Men's National Team defender.

The versatile midfielder - mostly at left or right midfield in limited action this year - was born in Sierra Leone, but has lived in the United States since he was two-years-old. Lahoud will not take up an international roster spot because of his citizenship status.

Lahoud was drafted ninth overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas. He scored two goals in 62 games in Los Angeles.

The Union had been rumored to be in discussions to trade Califf since May 12, with the Brotherly Game originally reporting at 3:46 p.m. Sunday that the center defender had moved to Chivas.

When a trade didn't occur through Wednesday morning, a source informed the Brotherly Game that back room bickering over the uncompleted had stalled it further. Union head coach Peter Nowak and Chivas head coach Robin Fraser differed in public on if the deal was done and Fraser appeared to be frustrated by Nowak's public announcement of the progression of the trade.

"We listen to inquiries every day, we make inquiries every day," Fraser said to Scott French of ESPN Los Angeles. "It's part of the job. It happens all the time. ... Not a day goes by when we don't inquiries or make inquiries."

"Let's just say we've made enquiries," Fraser said."...It's all speculation at this point."

Fraser's tone wasn't a happy one when he was forced to answer questions involving the rumored trade offers from his team to the Union.

Califf was listed on the injury report for the Union's game against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, with a hip injury as the reason for why he was included as part of a group of ailing Union players. The source informed the Brotherly Game that Califf was not injured and that his listing as such was a ploy by Nowak and the Union to "keep rumors at a minimum."

SBI: Danny Califf To Chivas USA For Michael Lahoud And Allocation Money

2012-05-17T17:34:11Z

The Danny Califf trade saga has apparently ended, with the Philadelphia Union two-time captain heading to Chivas USA in return for Michael Lahoud, according to Soccer By Ives.

Chivas will also send allocation money to Philadelphia in return for the former United States Men's National Team international.

The Union had been rumored to be in discussions to trade Califf since May 12, with the Brotherly Game originally reporting at 3:46 p.m. Sunday that the center defender had moved to Chivas.

Lahoud was drafted ninth overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas. He scored two goals in 62 games in Los Angeles.

USL Pro Pennsylvania Derby Match Ends In 0-0 Draw For City Islanders

2012-05-17T12:35:12Z

A beautiful Tuesday evening in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was perfect for the USL Pennsylvania Derby match between the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-1-2) and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2-5-0).

Harrisburg opened the attack in the 14th minute, and had their foot on the pedal the entire match. Andrew Welker pushed the Islanders' attack forward, slicing a through-ball to Sainey Touray, who was running down the right side of the field.

The play was broken up with a last ditch tackle by Riverhound defender Sterling Flunder, but the danger was not over for Pittsburgh. J.T. Noone, an Islander midfielder and former Philadelphia Union player, collected the ball from the tackle, but sailed his one-timer shot over the crossbar.

Hunter Gilstrap’s first major saves, part of the eight he made throughout the game, came in the first half. In the 24th minute, Morgan Langley started the build up in the midfield and took a surprise shot from 35-yards out.

Gilstrap, despite being out of position, was able to recover and tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner. In the 27th minute, another long-range effort from the Islanders was tipped wide.

Welker’s ambitious effort from 30-yards out was heading for the lower left corner and Gilstrap got his fingers to the ball to tip it out for a corner. The corner set piece led to nothing, and the Isles went into the locker room tied with the Riverhounds nil-nil.

Starting off the second half as they did the first, the Isles were full throttle on the attack against the Riverhound goal. The 47th minute brought a goal by Yann Ekra, who knocked in the ball after it bounced around in the penalty area off of a Welker corner.

The goal was disallowed after the center official recognized the assistant's flag raised for offside.

The first real threat to the Islanders’ goal was a perfectly played through ball from Shintaro Harada, a Riverhound midfielder, to Darron Amoo. Nick Noble, the Islander's goalkeeper, came up with a great reaction save on the breakaway to preserve the clean sheet.

Gitstrap earned his man of the match performance with a double save in the 59th minute. The first shot was an eight-yard finesse shot by Drew Yates. As the ball bounced out of the box, Noone hit a laser volley from the top of the 18 yard box and tipped wide by a diving save from Gitstrap.

The center official blew for full time, after three added minutes, to end the derby match at 0-0. The draw ended the Riverhounds’ four match losing streak and the started a two game unbeaten (both ties) streak for the Islanders.

The Islanders next match is Saturday May 19 versus the Dayton Dutch Lions on the Island, and their first US Open Cup match is Tuesday May 22 versus the Long Island Rough Riders of USL-PDL, also on City Island.

Starting Lineups

HCI: Nick Noble, Stephen Basso, Tom Brandt, Bilan Duckett, ©Jason Pelletier, Adrew Welker (Drew Yates 59’), J.T. Noone (Colin Zizzi 83’), Morgan Langley (Garret Pettis 70’), Brian Ombiji (Tom Mellor 70’), Sainey Touray (Yann Ekra 38’).

PRH: Hunter Gilstrap, Nikola Katic, Sterling Flunder, ©Louis Rolko, Anthony Calvano, Matt Kassel, Richard Costanzo, Seth C’deBaca (Lundberg 64’), Shintaro Harada, Michael Seth (Darren Amoo 46’), Agustin Nunez.

Misconduct

PRH - Darren Amoo (Caution) 85th min

Attendance: 1,081

A Fan's Voice: Saying Good Bye To Saint Danny Of Philadelphia

2012-05-16T20:38:59Z

Sunday, May 13, 2012. Stoney's Pub, Wilmington, DE. 3:35pm.

In only the third year of the Philadelphia Union's existence, our worst nightmare came true. Our club lost to the New York Red Bulls at home.

For the crew of hardcore supporters that were at Stoney's, the fact that our side played one of the better 90 minute matches we had seen in a while and the fact that a group of young guns help close - playing with 10 men for most of the game - meant nothing.

We lost to Red Bull at home. It is the day we feared.

Regardless of being down a man, or having a squad that, with the exception of a few members, are not allowed to rent a car, the unthinkable happened. A loss to our mortal enemy on our home soil.

The Pub, our Winchester, had the feel of a waiting room after a doctor tells you someone had died. Words weren't being spoken, only sad stares of men and women were seen. All of them share a deep love for their club, which had just had their hearts ripped out.

We had hit a low, this was rock bottom. Or so was the thought going through the minds of the men and women assembled at the pub.

Today, however, was different than most match days. This was Mother's Day.

Everyone at Stoney's had a phone call to make, a dinner to attend, or a gift to drop off. They were there because one of their own, me to be specific, had asked them all to come to Stoney's post-match.

I am not going to say that I was carrying the heaviest burden in the room, but I know that I felt a lot of weight on my shoulders for the past 24 hours.

Drinks were ordered.

There was no grand ceremony, but slowly words were spoken between the men and women in the Pub. They are not just friends, I see these folks as my family. We had to, as a family, face another tremendous stress.

We had heard the rumors and speculation. We had talked before the match and had been assured that everything was fine. Unfortunately, the subterfuge could not last forever.

"Corinne, it's true, he's leaving." That is all I said and that is all I had to say.

We knew, with those select words, that we were saying good bye to another member of our family. There was sadness, there was anger, there were tough men reduced to tears and loquacious people left without words.

Even though the news was not official, as there had yet to be a press release, our Captain, our family, had been shipped to Chivas USA. We didn't know all the specifics of the deal, but to us it didn't matter.

Our first leader, our first on field warrior, the soul of our club, was unceremoniously dropped by our Front Office. And the night was just beginning...

Danny was on his way.

Just like the gentleman that we had all gotten to know over the last two and a quarter seasons, he didn't want or need pomp and circumstance. As was the way he led our squad, the moment was understated and modest. Danny wasn't even comfortable with calling it a send off.

Danny was always humble, always just one of us. He just wanted to hang out with some friends one last time.

I tried my hardest to muster up the courage to channel my inner Corey Furlan and give the kind of speech that Corey gave to Seba when he left us. Instead, all I could say was something to the effect of, "as we all now know, Danny is leaving us. He is our first captain, and the heart and soul of our club. Thank you for all you have done for us. You will be missed."

At least that is what I thought I said. In reality, I think I got a few words out and got choked up.

The point was still the same. We lost more than a man in a Union jersey, more than a captain, more than a member of the original ‘Union 11'. We lost a member of our family.

December 8, 2009, a group of Union fans descended on Tir Na Nog in Philadelphia to meet our first Union players. Danny had yet to arrive in Philadelphia, PA from his most recent club, FC Midtjylland of the Danish Superliga, but his name was announced to ruckus applause from the Union faithful.

We had already fallen in love with the former LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquake player, and were excited for his return to MLS. He was the type of player that would represent Philadelphia well.

His rough exterior of mohawked hair, Wolverine style sideburns, and full arm tattoo sleeves, a player that, although not the fastest or most technically sound player on the pitch, would play with his heart and do whatever was asked of him for his club. He also would embrace the supporters as the soul of the club, and give us his all every time he was on the pitch.

Danny truly bleeds blue and gold, probably more than any of us. So often when any of us talked to him, he spoke of his goal of winning the MLS Cup for this club and for it supporters.

From setting a physical tone of this franchise on April 14, 2010's ‘People's Elbow' incident, to hugging Chris Seitz on June 27, 2010 after Seitz stopped a penalty kick at the first ever home match at PPL Park, to him showing up at ‘Stache Bash 2012, no. 4 always felt the heartbeat of this club.

He lived and died for the blue and gold. He was what the Captain. He was Philly.

He played with his heart on his sleeve. He played with emotion. He was both mellow and short tempered at the same time. He could be modest, but also not afraid to speak his mind. He lived for his club. He came out to supporter gatherings. He would sign an autograph for anyone who asked.

Even at the gathering that was dedicated to making sure that Danny got the proper send off he deserved, he still remained humble and in his own way, reminded us that this club is our club and that the true soul of the Union lies with us, the supporters.

All of us at Stoney's, and anyone that has cheered on the Union, were deeply affected by Danny, not just as a player, but as a friend, as a part of our family. When asked, various fans answered why Danny meant this much to them.

"Whether you knew him personally or connected with him through his performance on the pitch, Danny Califf made an impact on every Union fan in their own way. " said Sons of Ben member, Kelly Delaney. "His dedication and gratitude to the fans is indescribable. He understood that this group, this club, is MORE than just a team to the supporters and always treated it as such. To many people, including myself. he was exactly what this club embodied. Someone said it quite well the other night, ‘we've lost the soul of our team this year.'"

Earl Gardner, Sons of Ben, Bearfight Brigade, photographer for Philly Sports Page, and YSA podcaster, lauded the relationship with Califf in a similar way to Delaney, discussing the special nature of his time in Philadelphia.

"I always imagined (and hoped) Danny would retire in Philly," Gardner said. He is the kind of player and person that fit this city so well. After all the players we have lost this year, Danny's departure will be the hardest to take." Earl went on to say, "He was one of us. Down to earth wouldn't even begin to describe him accurately. The Union just lost something that made them special in the first place."

Kiley Sharpe, Union supporter, SoB, and Bearfighter told me,"'Danny was the first MLS player that wasn't shoved down my throat that I was supposed to like, like (David) Beckham and (Landon) Donovan were. He took time to see, talk to, and get to know his fans. In this day and age, any pro athlete that can stop and talk to a child is a great person. Danny played with the grit and heart that all Philly sports fans want. This team and its' fans will miss him dearly."

Danny got particularly close with Wayne, Justin, myself and the Bearfight Brigade, who saw a lot of themselves in Danny.

When asked for comment, Wayne said, "Danny has always provided a solid, steady, and level headed presence on the pitch. From what I understand, he was well liked and respected by his teammates as well. Losing him when we are letting in more goals than we are scoring is painful and mind boggling."

As far as off the pitch, Wayne went on to say, "Off the pitch, he remained a genuine leader and highly visible face of the Union. He was always someone you could count on to make an appearance (official or unofficial) or sign autographs for the supporters' groups numerous charity events. He is going to be missed by all on many levels. Danny is welcome to Bearfight with us regardless where he plays."

I will never know what I truly said that emotional day at Stoney's when I tried to give Danny a proper send off toast, but I know that what I wanted to say was this:

"Raise our glasses in toast to our first Captain, our leader. Danny gave our club an identity. He is the heart and soul of this club. This club and its' supporters will always be tied to you. Most important, you are part of our family. You will always be the Captain of this club. You will always be OUR Captain. It is an honor to say that Danny Califf wore the blue and gold. Thank you."

Please, all of you, the true heart and soul of this club, the people that Danny played for, take a moment and comment on what Danny meant to you, to this club, to the supporters, and to the city of Philadelphia.

I saw the heart and soul of Danny shine through on Sunday, May 13, while we exchanged a good bye hug, I said, "Thank you, again."

Danny looked at me and said, "I don't know why you keep thanking me. I should be thanking you.'"

Nowak: Califf To Chivas USA For A Player And Something Else, Waiting For MLS Approval

2012-05-16T18:12:38Z

Danny Califf has been traded to Chivas USA, awaiting Major League Soccer approval, Peter Nowak told reporters at his weekly press conference today.

"Soon. There's nothing from us to release the stuff," Nowak said. "That's, as I said, it's the league process of confirming some stuff."

"We are still in the process of concluding this trade, Nowak said. "We try to accommodate this as soon as we can."

The Brotherly Game originally reported the trade was to happen at 3:46 on Sunday via Twitter, then had a full report later that night onsite.

The trade will not be the rumored Califf plus Jack McInerney for Juan Pablo Angel, according to Nowak.

"Just Danny for player and something else," said Nowak when pressed for an answer as to the components of the deal.

Chivas USA's "initial offer come out of the blue," Nowak said.

Nowak noted that the first offer came in to the Union after the Schalke game and stressed that the team was not actively shopping Califf prior to Chivas contacting Philadelphia. All the while, Califf was apparently kept in the know of the situation.

"He's been informed every single step of the process that this may happen," Nowak said.

The former MLS and Bundesliga star, and two-time MLS cup winner as a player and manager, tried to distance himself from questions surrounding the injury status of Califf and the progression of the trade.

"The hold up is not because we want to complete this trade... Danny was in and out of the lineup because of the hamstring injuries. It's not that we keep him out just to complete this trade."

A source informed the Brotherly Game that Califf's latest listing on MLS's injury report was to minimize rumors involving the center defender, not because of an actual injury.

Califf will be reunited with former teammate Robin Fraser, who was named as the head coach of Chivas in January of 2011. He will also return home to Southern California, where he played high school soccer before going to the University of Maryland, leading to him being drafted by LA Galaxy sixth overall in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft.

Source: Backroom Finger Pointing As Chivas USA, Union Blame Each Other For Uncompleted Califf Trade

2012-05-16T17:32:48Z

The Danny Califf trade saga has not yet come to a close, which has caused a backroom war of finger pointing between the Philadelphia Union and Chivas USA.

A source told the Brotherly Game that the deal was no longer official, as the two sides were blaming one another for the reasons why the team had stalled.

After the Union's 3-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, Philadelphia Sporting Director Diego Gutierrez publicly addressed rumors of the possible trade of captain Danny Califf.

"We're considering something but as of now we don't have an agreement," Gutierrez told Dave Zeitlin. "Danny Califf is a Union player."

Chivas USA head coach Robin Fraser took some offense to the disclosure of trade discussions, telling ESPN Los Angeles that things like this situation are talked about all the time. Fraser's tone wasn't a happy one when he was forced to answer questions involving the rumored trade offers from his team to the Union.

"Let's just say we've made enquiries," Fraser said."...It's all speculation at this point."

Califf was listed on the injury report for the game, with a hip injury as the reason for why he was included as part of a group of ailing Union players. The source informed the Brotherly Game that Califf was not injured and that his listing as such was a ploy by Nowak and the Union to "keep rumors at a minimum."

Despite the unofficial nature of the deal, Califf has already cleaned out his locker, per the source. A different source told the Brotherly Game yesterday that Califf had planned on leaving for California today.

Chester City Government Discussing Additional Taxes On Union, Harrah's

2012-05-16T14:37:06Z

The City of Chester has had income problems because of declining residential and commercial tax bases, but now it may be angering the two major businesses that have come into the area.

Chester's government was discussing a pair of ordinances that, if enacted, would place a 10 percent tax on ticket sales and a 20 percent tax on parking. While the proposed ordinances were thought up to affect both the Philadelphia Union and Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack (recently renamed Harrah's Philadelphia), but the taxes hit the Major League Soccer franchise harder than the gambling center.

The Union were planning on increasing their foothold in Chester by building a $10 million facility that would include training and office facilities near PPL Park, the team's partially publicly funded stadium. However, the Union's front office may balk at their expansion if the taxes pass.

"We were very shocked to hear about them (the taxes) and very much caught off guard," Union CEO and Managing Partner Nick Sakiewicz said to the Delaware County Times. "We found out about it through the rumor mill."

The soccer franchise's deal with Chester originally included paying only $500,000 in fees for the first three years of existance in MLS, before property taxes applied to the team. Sakiewicz told the Delco Times that the Union were a $20 million-a-year business and that the proposed taxes would cost the team around $2 million-a-year.

"I think the broader message, not just for us but all of businesses and developers is, ‘If you come to Chester and build, the rules can change and we may tax you after you're successful," Sakiweicz said to the Delco Times. "These types of taxes are negotiated at the front end, not after everything is up and running."

For a fledgling franchise that has had problems with winning in 2012 and has angered fans through the loss of former team captain Faryd Mondragon to Colombia, the trade of fan favorite Sebastien Le Toux to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the possible trade of current captain Danny Califf to Chivas USA, an increase in expenses that would most likely affect ticket prices could be potentially harmful in the long run.

For more on the story, visit the Delco Times, who have covered the situation well.

MLS Weekend Wrap-Up: Dynamo Open BBVA Compass Stadium With a Bang, Beckham Saves LA From Another Loss, 10 Man Union Lose Third Game in a Row

2012-05-15T00:21:14Z

Major League Soccer welcomed yet another soccer specific stadium into the league this past Saturday, as the Houston Dynamo played their first game in brand new BBVA Compass Stadium after 16 months of waiting and seven straight road games to start the season. The Houston faithful opened the stadium with all the pomp and circumstance it deserved and Houston put the icing on the cake with a 1-0 victory over DC United.

History seemed to be the theme of the week, as Olympic Stadium in Montreal saw a record breaking crowd, as the Impact took on the LA Galaxy. 60,860 fans broke the attendance record for a soccer match, not just to see their home side play the defending MLS champs, but to see David Beckham in a rare away game appearance.

Unfortunately for the Philadelphia Union, the New York Red Bulls also made history Sunday afternoon at PPL Park, winning their first ever match in Philadelphia's house. A red card late in the first half against Freddy Adu made sure the Union would not pick up a win against New York, as the Red Bull's have now won four in a row.

Had Adu not been sent off, this game may have had a more happy ending for Philadelphia. Freddy Adu arguably was having his best game since coming back to Major League Soccer last season, picking up the assist on the opening goal for the Union. Fancy footwork and shot after shot from the 22 year old led the Union to the best first half numbers they have seen all season.

Unfortunately, Adu would not get the opportunity to show off in the second half. After what was called a simulation (a dive) in the box, Adu was shown his second yellow card, leading to his sending off. At first glance, this did nothing but energize Philadelphia, who almost immediately after the second half opening whistle picked up their second goal of the game courtesy of Lionard Pajoy.

New York however seemed un-phased. Not wanting their winning streak to end at four, the Red Bulls knocked in two more goal for the victory. The Union would have ample opportunities to equalize, but red hot keeper Ryan Meara made some remarkable saves to ensure a New York victory. With their first ever win at PPL and riding high at four in a row, the Red Bulls will look to make it five when they take on Montreal next Saturday. The Union will continue to try and find answers when they travel to Texas to take on FC Dallas.

The LA Galaxy might have left Montreal asking themselves their own set of questions had it not been for David Beckham. The Impact, who scored a very early first half goal thanks to David Arnaud, led the Galaxy for most of the match up at sold out Olympic Stadium. That was until the 62nd minute when LA was awarded a free kick.

One of the contributing factors that led to over 60,000 fans filling the stadium was the chance to see David Beckham, who rarely plays on Artificial grass. Beckham, like he has done time and time again, bent the ball into the upper right corner, picking up the equalizer for his squad while also earning his second goal of the week nod. 1-1 would be the final score of this one as most fans probably went home happy after witnessing just why the movie title "Bend it Like Beckham" was chosen ten years ago.

The Galaxy will head back home to take part in the SuperClassico, taking on Chivas USA next Saturday. Montreal will look for some revenge as they take on the Red Bulls at Olympic Stadium after losing 5-2 the last time the two squads met.

The Death Star, the Tie Fighter...these are nicknames for the newly opened BBVA Compass Stadium that have already begun to circulate around the league. Whatever people end up calling it (I personally like Fanta Orange), the latest soccer specific stadium got the opening it deserved, with the Houston Dynamo picking up BBVA's inaugural win.

There was a lot of talk going into this match up about who was going to try the hardest to get the first ever goal in BBVA Compass Stadium. Brian Ching obviously was the first name on everyones list. After all, he had done so much for the team, on and off the field. But what if former Dynamo player and fan favorite Dwayne De Rosario, who got a standing ovation from the Houston faithful before kickoff, spoiled the grand opening and won the match for DC? Neither scenario would end up happening.

In fact, this game could have easily ended up a draw; a less that exciting way to open the Dynamo's new home. Brad Davis would ensure that did not happen. In the 67th minute, the usually silent striker celebrated with the Houston supporters after firing in a beauty from 35 yards out. In truth, if it wasn't Ching who scored BBVA's opening goal, Davis was just as deserving a candidate to be the one to pick it up.

Ching had a couple of really good chances, but it wasn't meant to be. He was subbed out in the 84th as the 22,000 fans at BBVA Compass Stadium showed their appreciation for the veteran with a standing ovation.

Brian Ching and the Houston Dynamo won't have to wait long to score more goals at their new home. They take on Portland tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. DC United will look to rebound the next day as they take on the Rapids.

This weekend also saw New England stomp all over Vancouver with a 4-1 victory. Despite a goal from Eric Hassli, former Whitecaps player Lee Nguyen made sure his his old squad went home hurting, knocking in two of the four goals for New England. The Revolution will look for another win when they take on Houston next Saturday, while Vancouver looks to rebound after winning three in a row when they take on Seattle.

Columbus finally picked up a win after a five game winless streak, defeating a ten man Dallas FC Squad 2-1. Zach Lloyd was shown his second yellow of the game in the 63rd, making way for Sebastian Miranda to score the game winner in the 72nd for Columbus. The Crew will travel to San Jose to take on the Quakes, who are coming off a draw this past Sunday against Chivas. As mentioned before, FC Dallas plays host to Philadelphia this weekend.

Sporting Kansas City, after winning their first seven, have now lost three in a row. They fell victim to Chicago after Roger Espinoza was shown a red in the 62nd minute. Dominic Oduro would pick up the game winner for Chicago in the 81st. SKC will travel to Colorado Saturday to take on the Rapids, while Chicago travels to Portland to take on the Timbers on Sunday.

Finally, Real Salt Lake put a stop to Seattle's winning ways, picking up a 1-0 victory. Seattle, who will play Vancouver next Saturday, had not lost since March 31st. Real Salt Lake get to savor their win until the 26th, when they take on FC Dallas.

This week's match to watch out for will come out of Montreal. The Red Bulls look to make it five wins in a row, while the Impact look to remain unbeaten at home. Depending on whether Thierry Henry is back with New York by then, this could be another sold out game at Olympic Stadium. This one kicks off Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. It can be seen on MLS Live.