Union can’t beat elite; Soul host open practice

Philadelphia Union v DC United - Disney Pro Soccer Classic Sebastien LeToux and the Union have struggled against potential playoff teams this season.

The Union haven’t been able to crack the Eastern Conference’s upper echelon.

Following last weekend’s 5-3 loss to Montreal, the club has just one win (1-4 record) against teams in the playoff picture.

“We’ve got to start beating the better teams,” Amobi Akugo told the Union’s website. “We’re taking care of business against the teams behind us, but if we want to stay in contention we need to beat the teams that we’re trying to catch up to, in terms of points.”

The Union played Ocean City Tuesday night in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Philadelphia plays Toronto FC in regular-season MLS play Saturday.

Soul to host practice Manayunk

The Philadelphia Soul are hosting a “Town Takeover” in Roxborough and Manayunk Friday.

The city’s AFL franchise will hold an open practice with fans from 6-30-8:30 p.m. on the grounds of Northern Children’s Services on Righter Street.

Children will be allowed to run plays with Soul players.

“We would like to see all Soul fans come out and enjoy this opportunity to hang out with the team and have fun,” Soul co-owner Ron Jaworski said.

The Soul (4-4) will host the Arizona Rattlers (8-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center in an ArenaBowl rematch.