Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin’s weekly press conference received a lot more attention today than it normally does. The reason was the news that broke yesterday: Curtin had decided to bench Algerian national team goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi. M’Bolhi was informed yesterday that he would not be the starter for an indefinite period of time and was sent home. He is apparently in France spending time with his wife and daughter. Curtin announced John McCarthy would start Saturday’s match at PPL Park against New York City FC. McCarthy is a Philadelphia native who played collegiately at LaSalle and won last season’s United Soccer League (USL) Rookie and Goalkeeper of the Year awards while playing for the Rochester Rhinos. McCarthy also played for the Union’s PDL affiliate Reading United. Jamaican international Andre Blake will back up McCarthy presumably until he is fully fit after offseason knee surgery.

M’Bolhi has struggled since his controversial signing last summer and is currently at or near the bottom of every major statistical category for goalkeepers. Curtin noted that M’Bolhi “doesn’t seem like himself” and felt that it was best for everyone that he take some time away from the team. It is unknown when, or even if, he will return. For at least one game, however, McCarthy is the starter. Though many assume that Blake will be the starter when ready, Curtin implied that McCarthy will have every chance to win the job permanently.

In other Union news, the injury situation is beginning to look a bit brighter as Sheanon Williams has been a full participant in practice and looks set to return Saturday. Also, Cristian Maidana has been doing light work on the side this week with fitness coach Kevin Miller. He may not be ready for this weekend but looks like he is getting closer to playing, which will greatly help the attack that has struggled so far this season. Fernando Aristeguieta is the only player to score for the Union so far, with three goals. The other two goals have been own goals. Aristeguieta apparently suffered a hand injury around the 80th minute of Sunday’s game in Kansas City. He had minor surgery but is not expected to miss any game action. C.J. Sapong practiced without the face mask he wore Sunday and it appears that he feels more comfortable now after returning from a concussion and broken cheekbone.

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