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Author Topic: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold  (Read 1894 times)

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Offline Tallman

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After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« on: March 14, 2012, 06:33:59 AM »
After 7-month absence, Union midfielder is back in fold
By Dave Zeitlin (MLSsoccer.com)


Look who's back for the Philadelphia Union.

In the 79th minute of Monday night’s First Kick match between the Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers, midfielder Keon Daniel entered a match wearing Union colors for the first time in seven months.

Daniel, whose last appearance came in August 2011 against Columbus, missed the final 10 games of last season – as well as Philly’s two playoff games – because of visa issues. And although he may not have done much in the Union’s 3-1 season-opening setback, his substitute appearance was a significant one.

“It’s good to be back,” the Trinidadian midfielder said shortly before the team left for Portland. “It’s good to know I’m back, playing in front of [Union fans]. They are so passionate.”

Daniel’s absence was one of the more mysterious storylines of the Union’s 2011 season. After temporarily leaving to play for the Trinidad and Tobago national team in September, the midfielder was forced to remain in his native country because of a problem with his visa, which spawned a few “Free Keon” signs in the River End of PPL Park.

The player declined to elaborate on what the specific visa problem was, but he did say that he followed his team closely while in Trinidad and Tobago, watching as many Union games as he could on television.

It wasn’t easy, though.

“It’s hard being a soccer player and watching football and not helping your teammates,” Daniel said. “I put everything in God’s hands. I was just praying for the best, and my family was with me and praying for the best, as well. If you hope for the best, the best will happen.”

Now that he’s with the Union again, and seemingly back in the regular rotation, Daniel hopes to improve on his debut MLS season, a campaign in which he notched a goal and two assists in 888 minutes.

The Union have a crowded midfield, but it will get less crowded with Amobi Okugo and Freddy Adu leaving for the final US Olympic camp before the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.

And even with those players in the mix, Daniel is certainly valuable because of his pace on the wings.

“I’m getting more comfortable,” Daniel said. “Last year was a learning experience in the league. This year I’m hoping for big things and I’m hoping to carry this team as far as possible.”

The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline de_redman

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2012, 07:29:32 AM »
"...which spawned a few Free Keon signs in the River End of PPL Park."

that's funny... glad to hear that he's back.

Offline Bakes

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2012, 12:24:03 PM »
"...which spawned a few Free Keon signs in the River End of PPL Park."

that's funny... glad to hear that he's back.

So pretentious... so what's the other end called... "the Ghetto end"?

truetrini

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2012, 12:33:09 PM »
"...which spawned a few Free Keon signs in the River End of PPL Park."

that's funny... glad to hear that he's back.

So pretentious... so what's the other end called... "the Ghetto end"?
Oh Gardo..meh belly  lol

Offline fitzinho

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2012, 01:32:08 PM »
"...which spawned a few Free Keon signs in the River End of PPL Park."

that's funny... glad to hear that he's back.

So pretentious... so what's the other end called... "the Ghetto end"?
Is Chester, so basically thats what it is not so?

Offline Big Magician

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2012, 02:45:50 PM »
enjoy bago
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Offline palos

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2012, 06:15:22 PM »
 :wavetowel:
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Offline Tallman

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KYW Philly Soccer Show: Keon Daniel
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2012, 12:21:35 PM »
KYW Philly Soccer Show: Keon Daniel
By Ed Farnsworth (phillysoccerpage.net)


Two games and two losses for the Philadelphia Union. The Philly Soccer Show is there as the Union struggles out of the gate.

In part one, co-hosts Greg Orlandini of KYW Newsradio and PSP’s Eli Pearlman-Storch are joined by midfielder Keon Daniel. The Trinidad and Tobago international talks about playing with all the new faces on the team and the adjustments the Union are going through. He also talks about the visa issue that prevented him from returning to the team last season after a call up to the Trinidad and Tobago national team.

In part two, we look at the Union’s home opener, a loss to the always-tough Colorado Rapids. The team was improved after their disastrous loss at Portland to open the season, but still came up short. The game feature loads of scoring chances for the home side, but yielded only one goal, with the Union falling, 2-1.

In part three, there is no rest for the Union as they face two tough teams. The Chicago Fire is unbeaten to open the year, and is a much improved team over last season. After that, the freewheeling Vancouver Whitecaps come into town, with a familiar face on the roster.

CLICK HERE to download the podcast!
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Cocorite

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Re: After 7-month absence, Keon Daniel is back in fold
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2012, 07:34:13 PM »
He and KJ Cyar make my team
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Offline fitzinho

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« Last Edit: March 28, 2012, 10:51:36 PM by fitzinho »

 

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