⚽️ 'Goalzdag' Rewriting Union Record Books

_{LAST MATCH: Union 4 - New York Red Bulls 1}

_{NEXT MATCH: vs. FC Cincinnati}

_{Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV - MLS Season Pass}

Good morning. It’s Game Week against first place FC Cincinnati. And while several players are still away on international break, Jim Curtin is getting ready to face former assistant Pat Noonan and some other familiar faces who have helped transform Cincinnati from Wooden Spoon winner to Supporters’ Shield leader.

In the email today:

With his 11th MLS goal of the 2023 season against the Red Bulls, Gazdag added to his 4 Leagues Cup and 3 Concacaf Champions League goals to run his tally up to 18 for the season in 36 games.

Gazdag’s 47 goals in all competitions trails only Le Toux’s 56— a record he could set before the season’s end. What may be most impressive about Gazdag’s run of form is how quickly he’s risen up the Union goalscoring leaderboard since his arrival midway through the 2021 season.

• His 47 goals have come in 101 games, an average of .47 goals per game. Le Toux accomplished his mark in 189 games, an average of .28 goals per game. Przybylko scored 40 goals in 96 games, or .42 goals per game, and Sapong scored 38 goals in 135 games, .28 goals/game, a mark equal to Le Toux.

• Gazdag is not the only Union player surging up the club’s all-time leaderboard. Julian Carranza, the Union’s stellar young signing of the 2021 season, ranks 5th for the Union in goals in all competitions in his third season with the club.

Our take: Goals wins games, and Gazdag has been the guy to deliver since his arrival, whether from the penalty spot or open play.

2) 🐍 First Team Trio Help Lead Union II to 5-3 Win

Chris Donovan had a pair of goals and an assist, Jeremy Rafanello scored the game-winner, and Quinn Sullivan recorded an assist to lead Union II to an important 5-3 win over Toronto FC II at home on Friday night.

• Union II are now 1 point behind Chicago Fire II for a playoff spot with two games remaining.

• Forward Sal Olivas, whose signing was announced last week, checked in late for his fourth appearance of the season.

• Forward Jose Riasco’s loan to Uruguay for the remainder of the season was also announced last week.

Our take: Results are secondary in MLS Next Pro but it’s also important for development for young players to play meaningful games. They’re getting that experience in this late push for a playoff berth now.  

3) 🔄 🟨 Video of the Day: The Reverse Yellow

YouTuber Max Frosh went viral for turning the tables on referee Mark Clattenburg, pulling an UNO reverse card out of his pocket after getting a yelow in a charity match at London Stadium on Saturday.

4) 📊 Poll: National Call-Ups?

Have additional thoughts? Reply directly to this email to comment, and see if we include your response tomorrow.

5) 🔗 Link Roundup:

• 📰 The Bruce Arena era in New England is over with his forced resignation following an investigation he made “inappropriate and insensitive remarks.” Major League Soccer announced Saturday that “certain” allegations were confirmed and that Arena would have to submit a petition to the commissioner if he should pursue future employment within the league.

• 🇺🇸 The USMNT beat Uzbekistan 3-0 in Gregg Berhalter's return as coach on Saturday. The goals came early and late. Tim Weah put the U.S. in front in the fourth minute before substitute Ricardo Pepi and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, from the penalty spot, scored in second-half stoppage time to ensure the win.

• 🟥 PRO Referees’ Inside Video Review included a segment reviewing the red card Jesus Bueno received against Toronto FC. He was initially shown yellow but sent off after video review.

The newsletter today was written by Matt Ralph @MattRalph_, Greg Oldfield (@gregoldfield21), and Alex Klein (@DaddyKleinBucks)

Thanks for reading!