CHESTER, Pa. (December 3, 2009)— Philadelphia Union have acquired the rights to United States Men’s National Team veteran Danny Califf.  The 29-year old central defender will join Philadelphia Union from FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga, after the club acquired his League rights in a trade with the Houston Dynamo for allocation money.  As per club policy, details of the deal will not be disclosed.

Califf brings leadership and international experience to Philadelphia Union, having earned 23 caps with the USMNT. In 2009, he captained the side’s 3-2 win over Sweden and helped them to a first place finish in the CONCACAF region to earn a trip to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“There will be competition for every spot on the pitch” suggested Philadelphia Team Manager Peter Nowak.  “But with a seasoned veteran like Danny Califf, we’re adding a player who will help us set the bar ever higher. Danny understands the level of commitment our Technical Staff will demand daily and we’re counting on him to not only help anchor our defense but push our younger players to greater heights too.”…

Read the rest of the press release here.

It looks like the Philadelphia Union will have a very formidable defense when they open their season next March. Add Danny Califf to Shavar Thomas and Jordan Harvey, and that’s the beginning of a very solid back-line. The next step for the Union will be to find a starting right back.

Califf is captain material, and he brings a wealth of experience as a hard-nosed central defender. With two starting central defenders on their roster, will the Union still select Ike Opara in January? Or will they go for an attacking player?