More news - Leagues Cup and a new goalkeeper!

The news keep on coming!

Leagues Cup had teased the release of some critical information over the last 24 hours or so through the release of this video clip:

Well, we got the news of what the path for the Philadelphia Union will be as they attempt to best their third-place finish of last year.

Credit: Philadelphia Union Twitter

This year's edition of the tournament used a tiered Leagues Cup Ranking system, meaning that the rankings will be strictly based on combined MLS and Liga MX club performance. For Liga MX teams, they would be ranked based on the combined 34 matches that they play during their two different parts of their season. MLS teams would be ranked based on MLS Supporter Shield standings.

The Philadelphia Union have been grouped with Cruz Azul of Mexico and Charlotte FC of MLS.

Additionally, Leagues Cup will maintain its current No Ties format. Each team receives one point if the game is tied after 90 minutes. The winner of the subsequent penalty shootout will earn an additional point. Regulation wins count as three points, with games being decided by a penalty kick in case of a regular time draw.

The tournament will start on July 26 and finish on August 25th. This coincides with the 2024 Paris Olympics, for which the US has qualified and Venezuela still can reach the tournament. This means that potentially, Jack McGlynn, Nate Harriel, Jesús Bueno, and the loaned José Riasco could all be unavailable for selection.

Union sign a new goalkeeper - new #2?

Earlier today, Manuel Veth of Transfermarkt posted a tweet announcing that, according to his sources, the Union were set to complete the signing of German goalkeeper Oliver Semmle from the USL Championship side Louisville FC.

The Union later made it official with an email and Twitter post. The contract is through 2025 with a club option for 2026.

Semmle, 25, made 34 appearances and held a league-high 13 clean sheets for the Championship side and looked to be the odd man out after Louisville announced that they were bringing in Damian Las on loan from Austin FC. The deal could only go through after exchanging a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft with the Colorado Rapids for the player's rights since they drafted him in 2023. Veth also reported that Louisville received $100,000 plus future incentives in compensation for the player.

Tanner described the signing in the press release by saying:

“At 25 years old, he brings crucial experience while being young enough to have time to develop and grow into our system. With the increase in international play this year that will require players to be away with their national teams, we believe Oliver will be able to step in and fill an important role during that time.”

This implies that he will be stepping in as the clear #2.

So, what does that mean for Trent, Rick, and Montali, who by all accounts remain unsigned?

Adding more to the puzzle, my sources tell me that he will take up an international spot. However, it should be an easier case to work through regarding obtaining a green card due to the time he has spent in the United States.

Lots of excitement and it is only Wednesday!

Video Credit: Leagues Cup Twitter