Happy Monday! The Union were off over the weekend and we’ve been taking some time too but there’s still no shortage of soccer on the menu ahead of the Mlessi-less visit from Inter Miami on Saturday. Delaware’s own La Bombonera are playing for a $1 million prize in one of two TST finals tonight and the USMNT is coming off a concerning defeat.

In the email today:

1. 🇺🇸 USMNT Struggles in Loss to Colombia

If you had high expectations for Copa America, you might need to lower them. The USMNT lost to Colombia 5-1 on Saturday and have Brazil up next on Wednesday in their two friendlies to prep for Copa America.

Sure, Colombia and Brazil are not Bolivia, Panama or Uruguay but conceding five goals in a game - whether it counts or not - isn’t going to raise the hype for a team that still feels a little bit like an also ran (same coach, same underwhelming performances against good teams).

It also makes you question how the US is ranked ahead of Colombia in the FIFA rankings. Or at least they were.

2. 🎓 Auston Trusty Addresses YSC Academy Graduates

Auston Trusty was back in Chester on Friday addressing the 19 graduates of YSC Academy’s class of 2024.

The Media native has joined the school’s board and shared about how trust, adversity and connection have been key to his journey as a professional soccer player.

"I remember sitting exactly in your seat, filled with excitement, anticipation and a lot of nervousness about what's going to happen in the future,” Trusty said. “When I was younger no one picked me to be the one to succeed. I wasn't a standout player for a period of time and I wasn't a star player everyone had their eyes on but I trusted in my process, I trusted in my ability and worked tirelessly day in and day out to make it happen."

Congratulations to all of the graduates, from the ones in the first and second team to those pursing pro careers abroad, going to college or getting started on a career. It’s been a joy to watch these players playing for various teams - from the Union academy to FC Delco, to Union Development Squad and beyond - and we wish them nothing but the best.

3. 📣 Tweet of the Day: When Was the Last Time?

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Most Important Player

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Matthew DeGeorge took a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the Union’s first half of the season.

• FC Revolution Reds played their final game together last Sunday and finished as state cup champions for the third straight year.

• There are few settings in summer amateur soccer as wonderful as a nice night playing on the grass at WSFS Bank Sportsplex with the sun setting over the Commodore Barry Bridge. UDS and Atlantic City took advantage of that environment last week, playing to a 2-2 draw.

Philadelphia Raccunion T-shirt available now at Teepublic.

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