Union Follows Season-Ending Win by Naming New Sporting Director

Report From Philadelphia Union

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced on Monday that it has agreed to terms with Earnie Stewart to take over as the club’s Sporting Director, effective January 1, 2016.

As Sporting Director, Stewart will oversee and guide all Union technical and soccer-related decisions working closely with the Union First Team, USL team and Youth Academy. This technical leadership role is one the former U.S. National team and three time World Cup veteran knows well from his current role as Director of Football Affairs at AZ Alkmaar, a club he has guided to Europa League qualification the last six consecutive seasons. Under Stewart’s technical guidance AZ has developed a reputation for its innovation, player recruitment, and player development methodology. In 2015, AZ Alkmaar was honored with the Rinus Michels Award for having the best youth academy in Dutch football.

“In searching for a Sporting Director, we defined specific criteria we were looking for a candidate to fulfill. Earnie rated highly on all our key metrics. His understanding of the international soccer landscape and viewpoint on Major League Soccer, combined with his experience in player development and strong work ethic, make Earnie an excellent fit for this important role,” said Philadelphia Union Owner Jay Sugarman. “Earnie’s long-term vision and desire to positively impact soccer in the United States aligns closely with our vision for the Philadelphia Union and we are excited to welcome him back to the USA and put him in a position to drive the Union to long term success.”

Stewart was a staple for the U.S. Men’s National Team throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, registering 101 caps for the team from 1990 until he retired in 2005. He was a regular starter for USA in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups and his 111 goals as a professional in the Netherlands make him the highest-scoring American in international club play. Stewart also played in MLS during the 2003 and 2004 seasons and was a member of the D.C. United team that won the MLS Cup in 2004.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to come to the Philadelphia Union and help create a winning team which the fans can identify with. I look forward to working with everyone at the Union to establish a clear playing philosophy and use my experience to create a competitive edge in our methods of recruiting and developing players at all levels of the club, from the Academy up through the First Team. From the first moment I spoke with the Union about the direction they wanted to go I was excited about the long term opportunity and my ability to help execute on our shared vision.  I would like to thank AZ for giving me the chance to follow my ambition in coming back to the United States and I remain committed to fulfilling my duties here at AZ Alkmaar through the end of the year,” said Stewart. “I will work my hardest to hit the ground running for the Union and be ready for the important decisions the club will make entering the 2016 season.”

On Sunday, the Union ended is 2015 season with a 1-0 win over Orlando during the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Union previously faced Orlando in a scoreless draw on Aug. 8.

Orlando City SC had the opportunity to grab the playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and throughout the game, both teams saw several chances on goal. C.J. Sapong´s strike hit the crossbar in the 19th minute and both goalkeepers, Andre Blake and Josh Ford, made five saves a piece.

Sebastien Le Toux´s penalty in the 41st minute shifted the momentum in favor of the home team. After being brought down in the box, Le Toux notched his 13 career penalty out of 13 attempts.

The Union conclude the 2015 season with a 10-17-7 record finishing in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

MATCH RECAP

Philadelphia Union 1, Orlando City SC 0

PPL Park

Chester, Pa.

SCORING SUMMARY

PHI – Sebastien Le Toux (Penalty) 41’  HIGHLIGHT: http://bit.ly/1GrmaUl

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY

PHI— Richie Marquez 15´ (Yellow)

ORL— Brek Shea 20´ (Yellow)

ORL— Darwin Cerén 38´(Yellow)

ORL— Luke Boden 42´ (Yellow)

ORL— Adrian Winter 50´ (Yellow)

PHI— Ray Gaddis 59´ (Yellow)

ORL—Rafeal Ramos 69´ (Yellow)

ORL— Cristian  Higuita 72´, 87´ (Yellow) (Red)

ORL— Kaka 87´ (Yellow)

PHI— Vincent Nogueira (Yellow) 88´

MATCH DAY STATS

Box score: http://bit.ly/1Rw0h6J

Stats: http://bit.ly/1k3ww2f

 

PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI

Andre Blake, Fabinho (Warren Creavalle 86´), Richie Marquez, Ethan White, Raymon Gaddis, Vincent Nogueira, Michael Lahoud, Sebastien Le Toux, Eric Ayuk (Fernando Aristeguieta 67´), Tranquillo Barnetta, C.J. Sapong

Unused subs:  John McCarthy, Andrew Wenger, Brian Carroll, Cristian Maidana, Conor Casey

ORLANDO CITY SC STARTING XI

Josh Ford, Seb Hines, Luke Boden, Aurelien Collin, Brek Shea (Pedro Ribeiro 75´), Darwin Ceren, Carlos Rivas, Cristian Higuita, Adrian Winter (Rafael Ramos 62´), Cyle Larin, Kaka

Unused subs: Trey Mitchell, David Mateos, Servando Carrasco, Eric Avila, Lewis Neal

 

OFFICIALS

Chris Penso (Referee), Sean Hurd (Assistant), Jeff Muschik (Assistant), Robert Sibiga (fourth)

 

ATTENDANCE

17,809

TEAM NOTES

• The Union end the season 10-17-7, with a 7-7-3 record at home.
•     Sebastien Le Toux scores his 49 career goal and 26 of the season.
•     Le Toux notches 13 career penalty out of 13 penalty attempts
•     With the victory, Jim Curtin´s career record with the Union is 17-22-13