The Philadelphia Union has allowed an Eastern Conference-low 16 goals, and while the team is hoping to continue that defensive toughness during the second half of the season, it will have to do so without Jordan Harvey.
The Union traded Harvey to the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for allocation money on Thursday. Harvey, who has played all but one game in Philadelphia's history, joins a Whitecaps defense that has allowed 26 goals, the fourth-worst total in MLS.
The trade is a bit surprising considering Philadelphia's results with Harvey as part of its back line, and also because Vancouver already has a strong starting left back in Alain Rochat.
What do you think of this development?
Share your thoughts below.
lol
why not???
Rochat is class on the left…I wouldnt move him
Prince is going to the Sounders
The back four has been the most dependable part of the team this season and Harvey merits some of the credit for that. Moving Harvey makes no sense unless a move to add a defensive player (perhaps a SI?) is made.
I don’t think Gabe or Mike Farfan is the answer at left back, which is what makes the move puzzling from a fan’s point of view.
well i was thinking Pascal Chimbonda, but i think he is from Guadeloupe. Would philly be looking to bolster that attack, and then ship an extra forward for a defender????
There are plenty of cities in Europe that don’t smell like urine (and plenty in the US that do), but of those Pires has played in, I can say from personal experience that Birmingham and London are not on that list (never been to Metz or Villareal and don’t remember what Marseille smelled like).
I hear you, I think I know what you’re doing or saying with the whole moving Torres centrally since we always lack that creative force in MLS and US soccer overall.
The Cienfuegos, Etcheverrys, and now a days Morales of the MLS world. But I think Torres is purely a winger, his little stature but great speed and 1 on 1 skills just call for it, plus remember MLS has too many VERY physical Defensive/Holding Midfielders or “destroyers” like Mastro & Latentowicz, or Phelan etc etc
I don’t know if you’re a Union fan or live there, but I am dying to get to see your city one day just so I can see a Union game, let alone all the other great stuff to see including the historical richness Philly has!
I would love to time it right and catch a Phillies game at the Citizens Bank Ballpark on a thursday or wed and then catch the Union at PPL on the weekend, especially a day game!
I’m telling you any player philly brings in will not play as well as harvey.
I’ll just assume that you are joking about Torres. As for this move…there better be something coming down the Pike because Harvey has been well liked at PPL Park. African DP—? Maybe Muntari.Maybe not.
I feel like Torres is better suited to a central playmaking role. I’m comfortable with either Farfan brother or Keon Daniel back there at LB though.
I always thought they should start Roger Torres at Left Back. I know he is mainly an offensive winger who loves to make runs forward but I think he can hold his own and has enough speed and work rate to cover the full back and still push and overlap with whomever is on the left in midfield for the Union in any games?
God I wish someone could make the switch to LB for the US! lol
Still think Rodney Wallace is a good option if he gets his citizenship soon, he’s been playing for almost 3 years now, 2 and a half to be exact, but who knows, all I know is that he got here before he was 10 or 9 so should be a Permanent Resident card holder?
Idiotic xenophobia. You think US cities are cleaner than those in other countries, you’re dreaming.
This trade is really not cool for my fantasy squad (McGruber FC) during a crucial week.
…which is, coincidentally (or not), where we will hear it last. Because it won’t happen.
You should be grateful Soehn refuses to play Janicki. When he was in DC, he single-handedly cost us at least 3 or 4 games. The man needs to find a more suitable career.
What about Michael Boxall? Havent seen Vancouver play much but I was under the impression he’s a decent centerback
Colin Udoh indicated on Twitter that the first African DP will be announced next week. Most of the guesses have been Prince Tagoe or maybe Yakubu (both forwards) but who knows.
https://twitter.com/#!/ColinUdoh/status/88765301327540224
The Union/MLS will be making global news in the next few weeks when they sign Didier Drogba…you heard it here first.
who is this?
Yes, Harvey will be used at left back so Rochat and Demerit can play Centre back together and keep the core defense tighter. Thats what they should do atleast…
Didn’t Harvey play some CB for Colorado too? So maybe the will see who is the better fit centrally between the two.
Ha! Problem is I have yet to visit a city in europe that doesn smell like urine, though sometimes the trash waste smell covers it
That would be something.
Bocanegra to Union.
A head-scratcher, but…
Maybe VAN need to slide Rochat to CB and don’t feel confident about Wagner at LB.
Maybe PHI think one of the fighting Farfan brothers can hold down the LB spot and they want the cash for another new signing?
Rochat will move to the middle in place of Demerit and Akloul (released, but somehow not yet announced). And Soehn refuses to play Janicki.
I presume it’s for a Player To Be Announced Later…allocation cash certainly suggests that perhaps they are finally thinking of shelling out for a DP (and given the lack of one previously, perhaps it’s something that’s been in the works for a very long time indeed).
Sooo, is the rumored African DP a left back that is heading to Philly? Why else would they ship Harvey for allocation money? And why on earth did Vancouver make this deal?
I wonder if they need allocation money for a big signing. Maybe Robert Pires, oh wait, he only plays in cities that don’t smell like urine.
As a Philly fan…DO NOT WANT!
Seriously, why break up such a great defense?