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Born of Jamaican descent, football was soccer in the Gabriel household. But kicking a soccer ball wasn’t the cool thing to do growing up as a adolescent in North Philadelphia in the 1990’s. So despite his apprehensions, Kerith no longer curses the day his family made the move to the Main Line as it coincided with a chance to play world’s most beautiful game (without getting beat up). As a player on the youth, prep and college level, all that knowledge is used today to convey his passion through his weekly column, Union Meeting.
Kerith’s column appears Friday’s during the MLS season and provides readers with a inside look at Philadelphia’s latest soccer franchise in addition to a unique Philly perspective on soccer news and views in Major League Soccer and around the globe. Keep up with the latest breaking news by following him on Twitter.
- The Goalkeeper: MLS to have unbalanced 2012 schedule
- Buy U.S. national team gear
- Video: Peter Nowak reflects on the Union's season
- The Goalkeeper: Union's playoff run has deep roots
- Video: Danny Califf on his past playoff experience
- Photos: Wednesday's Union practice
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Kerith GabrielMondragon due back for Union
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Kerith Gabriel: There have been very few occasions in which Faryd Mondragon cracks a smile. Yesterday it was made official that the goalkeeper finally had the green light to return to action. Check.
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Kerith GabrielAnother win would help Union
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Kerith Gabriel: The notion of the Union earning at least 10 wins, in addition to some draws, and earning a playoff spot was not that asinine. Except ... "It appears it's not going to be enough," Peter Nowak said.
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Kerith GabrielCaliff focused and comfortable
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Kerith Gabriel: Very quietly, now that the weight of the Union is no longer resting squarely upon his shoulders, Danny Califf is having one of his finest seasons as a professional.
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Money can't buy Crew goals
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Kerith Gabriel: Peter Nowak isn't scared of the Crew. He's got a posse of his own. Nowak asks that with all of the Crew's supersized, high-priced personnel what does it have to show for it?
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Kerith GabrielWorld of kids and soccer pressure
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Kerith Gabriel: According to the National Alliance for Youth Sports, 70 percent of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13. The No. 1 reason? Pressure from adults.
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Kerith GabrielBan could help Union's Valdes
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Kerith Gabriel: Getting suspended might be the best thing ever to happen to Carlos Valdes. The yin to Danny Califf's yang in central defense will not make the trip to Utah, today because of an accumulation of yellow cards.
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Kerith GabrielUnion's youth has not been served
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Kerith Gabriel: Just ask and Union boss Peter Nowak will readily tell you that his club has already defied the unsaid assumptions of what makes a franchise a success in Major League Soccer.
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Kerith GabrielUnion fans ready for Freddy Adu?
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Kerith Gabriel: Whether you are a soccer fan, an avid Union supporter or a slave to social networking, you already heard that the club is scheduled to announce the signing of Freddy Adu today at PPL Park.
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It was time for Bradley to go
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Kerith Gabriel: U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley was sacked on Thursday after a five-year stint as head coach. Now, make no mistake; this is a good thing.
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Kerith GabrielPhilly lauded as soccer showplace
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Kerith Gabriel: Saturday's Union-Real Madrid match will be the 13th international soccer event, and 16th soccer game overall, that the Linc will host, but it doesn't end there.
