He also revealed plans to build a youth development academy in the mold of respected European clubs, which recruit local talent at young ages in order to indoctrinate them into the clubs' programs and create seamless replenishment of talent throughout their organizations.

"The United States does not develop players early enough," Nowak said, suggesting that while the country had significantly improved its standing in the international soccer community, it could still do more. "We've got to expand the net and create a more competitive environment."

As Nowak takes the preliminary steps to assemble his roster, the Union's ownership group - Keystone Sports and Entertainment L.L.C. - announced Monday that it has formed a "comprehensive partnership" with Philadelphia-based Comcast-Spectacor to help the Union manage its planned 18,500-seat stadium, provide food and beverage concessions and catering, and support the club's ticket sales.

"Partnering with such a well-respected industry leader based in our hometown makes perfect sense," said Tom Veit, the Keystone Sports and Entertainment and Philadelphia Union president, in a news release Monday.

"Comcast-Spectacor is uniquely qualified to help us select the right vendors and suppliers, ensuring that our events run seamlessly and have an authentic Philadelphia feel."

The Union's latest personnel and business developments coincide with the U.S. national team's presence in Philadelphia on Saturday for the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.

CONCACAF stands for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. The Gold Cup is a biennial tournament.

Saturday's quarterfinals will feature a 5 p.m. matchup between Canada and Honduras, followed by United States and Panama at 8 p.m.

Nowak has ties with several U.S. players who will take the field Saturday, including forward Charlie Davies, midfielders Freddy Adu and Stuart Holden, and defender Michael Parkhurst. All four played for Nowak when he coached the under-23 men's national team in the 2008 Olympics.

Davies, 23, and Adu, 20, also played with the U.S. first team at the Confederations Cup last month.

Most of the U.S. first team is not competing in this Gold Cup tournament, since the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup have occurred back-to-back. But that has opened the door for players such as Parkhurst, 25, and Holden, 23.

Holden is coming off a fantastic performance in Saturday's 2-2 tie against Haiti, which clinched the United States first place in its group and a spot in the Philadelphia quarterfinal. The Houston native assisted on his team's first goal and then blasted a 24-yard strike into the upper right netting to tie the game in the 92d minute.

Find coverage this week of the

U.S. national soccer team's past games in Philadelphia at http://go.philly.com/pretzel.