Union Notes: Carroll named team captain

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WAYNE, Pa. -- From Danny Califf to Faryd Mondragon, Califf again and Carlos Valdes, another year brings yet another captain for the Union.

But as Union coach John Hackworth announced his on-field general for 2013 on Monday at YSC Sports, he also made it clear that the physical armband means very little when the leadership has been there the entire time.

We have named a captain and it will be Brian Carroll, Hackworth announced following the Unions first day of training camp on Monday. Were very excited about that. Brian has earned it through his actions, his character and way he exemplified fantastic leadership last year in support of Carlos Valdes. The team was made aware of it last night.

Brian Carroll has been here for three years and the fact that hes now wearing the armband does not change the fact that he was a leader for the last three years. Honestly, you guys probably worry about that stuff more than the players or I worry about it. The fact is, we have good leaders in our locker room and Brian epitomizes that and he has the full support of our locker room. And thats what you want in a leader.

Articulate and soft-spoken, Carroll, 31, has been with the Union since late 2010. A veteran of two MLS Cups, 268 regular season and 20 MLS playoff games, the midfielder has been one of the most constant features on the Unions consistently fluctuating roster.

Helping Carroll is the Unions fresh, new experience. Unlike Valdes, a former captain in 2012, Carroll will have a nice supporting cast of veterans to help him -- a list that includes 31-year-old Conor Casey, 34-year-old Chris Albright, 29-year-old Sebastien Le Toux and 30-year-old Jeff Parke.

Brian has a really good group of senior leadership around him, Hackworth said. Guys like Chris Albright, who was extremely influential in helping Carlos last year. He will continue to do that. We have some new guys who are experienced players as well and have all, during different times in their careers, wore the captains armband. We feel good about that.

Carroll takes over the Union leadership from Valdes, who was loaned to Independiente Santa Fe for the entirety of the Primera A season. The nature of the loan is for one year, meaning Valdes could return to the Union

I dont think Carlos would have a problem with it at all, Hackworth said. Carlos and Brian worked very well together last year. Brian was a very important leader in our locker room. What it means for the future? We have a challenge ahead to get through this season successfully and thats what were focused on. When Carlos returns after a year, well reassess and sit down. You cant have too many good leaders, as long as they are working together to one common goal.

Banking on Valdes' return?
When Valdes was loaned for one year to Sante Fe this offseason, the prevailing thought was that the pugnacious central defender would likely never return to the Union. That Colombian National Team success would either keep Valdes closer to home through the 2014 FIFA World Cup or set him on a path to worldwide soccer stardom.

Hackworth, however, is staying optimistic.

Right now Im planning on the fact that he will be back next year, Hackworth said. But the reality is, if he starts for Colombia and if they get close to qualifying or qualify for the World Cup, that changes life for Carlos and for us in a big way. I dont want to speculate on what can or cant happen. But its an opportunity that we feel is good for Carlos. Were trying to make the best out of it. But at no point are we saying that this is the last time well see Valdes in a Union uniform -- because we dont look at it that way. Its simply a loan and it happens all the time in this business. It was good for both the player and club.

Left back problems? Hack no
Entering preparations for the 2013 season, the reigning belief surrounding the Union roster is that they needed an upgrade at left back -- a notoriously tough position to fill.

With Gabe Farfan, a midfielder currently doing a satisfactory job but playing out of position, it was thought that Hackworth would find a natural left back to allow Farfan to move back into the midfield.

On Monday, just days after the Union passed on all left back talent in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Hackworth shot down the idea that the Union were in need.

As a starting point, it should be said that Gabe Farfan is our starting left back, Hackworth said. He is one of the best left backs in terms of pure soccer ability. He might be a true left back but the way that we play and in our style, we want our left back to be an attacking player and hes very good at that. Not to say that he was perfect last year -- hes still a young guy developing into that position. Thats where we start from, then we have some guys who can play both right and left -- Sheanon Williams, Ray Gaddis, players that we could put there if needed and well certainly try those guys throughout the year.

However, the Union did make a move at left back, albeit for the future, in signing 18-year-old Trinidad and Tobago national, Damani Richards.

We have Damani coming in as a left back, Hackworth said. Hes an extremely talented individual but he needs time to develop and professional experience. We have a good nucleus of guys and I think it was a misconception that we were automatically going for a left back. It gives us a lot more depth.

E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com.

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