Tag Archive for: CONCACAF

Whitney Accepts Offer….Curtin’s Union Advance in CONCACAF….Omoruyi and Olivers Tight Bond

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Kahlil Whitney Accepts Offer with Klub Skrljevo

Kahlil Whitney, who signed last week with IPZ, has accepted an offer from Klub Skrljevo (Klub Skrljevo Team Website) in the Croation Premier League, the club announced early Monday. IPZ worked with Players Group Italia to secure the offer for Kahlil.  

Whitney spent the last three seasons in the G-Leauge, appearing in 24 games for his hometown team, the Windy City Bulls as well as the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.  

“The teams at Players Group and IPZ feel this is an excellent opportunity for Kahlil to showcase his talents,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito. “Our hope is he can be a vital cog to lead Skrljevo to a great run in the playoffs.”  

Curtin’s Philadelphia Union Advance in CONCACAF Champions Cup

In a thrilling 120-minute showdown, Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union showcased resilience and determination, ultimately clinching victory with a dramatic 94th-minute winner by Mikael Uhre, securing a 6-5 aggregate series win over Deportivo Saprissa. Tuesday night’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash was a spectacle, featuring six goals, intense VAR reviews, and the Union enduring extra time playing down a man. Yet, echoing the spirit of their city and Curtin, the Union fought relentlessly, advancing to face one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in Mexico, C.F. Pachuca, in the next round.

Curtin, following a lackluster performance, was brief in his post-game comments, simply stating, “Survive and advance.”

Set to kick off the Round of 16 in front of their passionate home crowd, the Philadelphia Union will take the field for leg 1 of a 2 leg aggregate series at Subaru Park on Tuesday, March 5th, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.

The Tight Bond between Big Cliff and Muhammad Oliver

Our newsletter has been filled with numerous stories about the way Rutgers star Clifford Omoruyi has given back to the community during his college career.  

But where did Cliff learn about the right things to do?  

Check out his story, from the Salvation Army, about Cliff’s mentor and guardian – Muhammad Oliver. 

 

Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season…. Big Cliff Spreading the Word About Cancer Screening…. Curtin Preparing for 2024 MLS Season

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Meggie Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season Training with Angel City FC

Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who recently joined Angel City FC, has begun preparations for the 2024 NWSL season.  

Dougherty Howard and Angel City FC kicked-off their NWSL preseason last week at their home training ground in Thousand Oaks, CA. Angel City FC will continue their preparations in California with a series of preseason friendly matches and training sessions over the next few weeks. Angle City’s 2024 NWSL opener is set for March 16th at home against Bay FC.  

Dougherty Howard, a NWSL Shield winner last year with San Diego Wave FC, hopes to bring her winning mentality and veteran leadership to her new club Angel City FC as it looks to build off of a strong 2023 campaign.  

Big Cliff Helps Spread the Word About Cancer Screening

Cliffor Omoruyi used his Big Ten and Rutgers’ platforms to help Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings.

In four social media posts, Cliff talked about the importance of screenings during the NCAA’s “Suits & Sneakers” weekend games. In one post, Cliff put on his own suit and sneaks, saying “It’s not just the coaches who can wear suits and sneakers to spread the word.”

“We’re thrilled that Cliff is joining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society to share the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and cancer screening,” said Dr. Eric Berman, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “He has helped many important causes, like the Salvation Army’s programs in Newark, and we are glad he is part of our team. It makes sense that one of the nation’s top defenders is helping defeat cancer.”

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Continue Preparations for the 2024 MLS Season

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently wrapped up their first phase of preseason training in Clearwater, FL with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC (MLS) in a preseason friendly.  

“The first phase of preseason has gone very well,” said Curtin, “we had three really high-level games against CR Flamengo (Brazil), Austin FC (MLS), and now NYCFC (MLS). The group continued to get better through each of our three matches and were able to build up a lot of fitness and confidence going into the next phase of pre-season.”  

After a week back in Philadelphia, the Union will return to Clearwater, FL on February 5th to wrap-up the second phase of preseason with matches scheduled against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 9th and culminating with a match against New England Revolution on Feb.14th.  

Coming off a strong 2023 campaign the Union again qualified for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC), a tournament that includes the top 27 teams in North and Central America. Philadelphia will kick-off its 2024 season and the CCC competition with an away game against Deportivo Saprissa, in Costa Rica on February, 20th at 10:00 PM EST. MLS action for the Union will begin on February 24th at their home at Subaru Park against the Chicago Fire FC with kick-off set for 7:30 PM EST.