Happy Tuesday, friends. It’s not easy beating the Union is it? Poor DC United thought they finally had their time to shine and then Jack McGlynn’s left foot said “psyche.”

In the email today:

1. 🧱 Resiliency the Union's MO

Ten games into the season the Philadelphia Union continue to be a conundrum. They’re unbeaten on the road and have just two losses yet sit in unfamiliar territory in eighth place largely because they are conceding far more than has been custom.

Giving up goals - like they did falling behind 2-0 in DC on Saturday - has led to some exhilirating moments that Jim Curtin and company would prefer not have to happen. Like THAT goal from Jack McGlynn to earn a 2-2 draw Saturday night.

As thrilling and impossible as the goal seemed, the fact that it took a moment like that to tie DC is a bit of a concern. How many tight ropes can we realistically expect this team to navigate without a safety net, particularly with the looming summer of absences on the horizon.

Returning home to face Orlando City will be a chance not only for the Union to break their winless draught but to re-establish some confidence and momentum that they can play in the way they prefer where they are the ones playing from ahead instead of clawing their way back.

2. 🐍 Homegrown Signings Signal Next Era

Andrew Rick’s signing to the first team went a little under the radar because of the timing - he needed to be on a first team contract to dress in DC because of short term loan rules - but it was far from a surprise signing.

The Maryland-born Wayne native has been one of the top goalkeeping prospects in the academy since his early days in the academy making a name for himself in tournaments like the Concacaf U13 Champions League in Costa Rica and the GA Cup.

He joins the first team somewhat out of necessity with Holden Trent still injured but even as he continues to play the majority of his minutes with Union II the 18-year-old will be one to watch as a potential No. 1 in the post-Andre Blake era of the team.

David Vazquez also recently joined the first team, which should surprise no one given his stature as one of the top attacking talents in MLS Next Pro, place with US youth international teams and the investment the Union already put in acquiring his rights from both LAFC and LA Galaxy.

Like Rick, the 18-year-old is still in a bit of a wait and see mode in terms of when he will be able to really make an impact on the first team but when the time does you could see him as the next young player to make a splash with the first team and draw attention elsewhere.

3. 🂠 Tweet of the Day: Draw 25

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Opting In?

Re-running this to point out that it was dumb not to include header in the poll and that whoever had other probably deserves credit.

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Amit Maliik unpacked the DC United match.

• Union II were back to their winning ways at home against Huntsville City.

• Todd Lewis is back with another goal breakdown video.

• The NPSL season kicked off locally on Saturday night down in Chester when Ian Abbey returned to spoil his former team’s opener in a 2-1 win for Jackson Lions over the Union Development Squad.

• Part III of Greg Oldfield’s wonderful series on Dave MacWilliams is up on the site.

• Mike Gorni will have a chance yet again to play for the James P. McGuire Cup (the U19 national championship) with his Hex FC PA Dominion 2005 boys qualifying for the US Youth Soccer national championships over the weekend.

• Free pickups are happening on weeknights at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex by Subaru Park in Chester. Join the Meetup group for updates.

• If you are interested in local lower level soccer and fan culture there’s a newsletter launching soon called For the Love. Subscribe at forthelove.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

Celebrate Philadelphia Soccer heritage with shirts available at OldSchoolShirts.com.

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