The Ramos roundup is a weekly Philadelphia sports column highlighting all the news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union.
Phillies Sweep Rangers
Don’t look now, but those Phillies are beginning to heat up. On Sunday, the Fightins completed the sweep of the Texas Rangers and have now distanced themselves a bit from the Mets. New York is in the midst of a season-high seven-game losing streak. Most recently, the Milwaukee Brewers took down the Mets, after New York coughed up a five-run lead before losing on a walk-off.
Presently, the Phillies hold a 4.5 game lead over New York. There’s a lot season left still, but Philly is coming together at the right time. This is a team that is built to contend so to have them playing at a high level late into the Summer is a positive for what could come in October.
They’ll continue their road trip on Monday to take on the Cincinnati Reds.
McKee Slings it, Eagles Score 34 in Win over Bengals
On Thursday, Eagles’ number 2 quarterback Tanner McKee balled out in the preseason opener, going 20-of-25 for 252 yards and three total touchdowns. The 26-year-old showcased quality accuracy throughout his outing and connected seven different receivers as well.
Further, it was perhaps undrafted rookie receiver that was the biggest beneficiary, as Darius Cooper collected six catches for 82 yards and a score. Tight End Johnny Wilson also had himself a nice day, catching three balls for 73 yards.
Whereas the defense, particularly the corners, didn’t fare as well. We won’t harp on that though, as it’s just one meaningless game. It is something to monitor for the remainder of camp though.
Union Acquire Milan Iloski On Permanent Transfer
On Tuesday, the Union announced that they have acquired forward Milan Iloski on a permanent transfer from FC Nordsjælland. Iloski, a Escondido, California, native, has signed a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028. Moreover, the 26-year-old, has scored 10 goals and added one assist in just 14 appearances (three starts) for San Diego FC this season. In June, he made MLS history by scoring four goals in a 12-minute span against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the fastest four-goal performance in league history.
“Milan is a dynamic, instinctive goal scorer who thrives in attacking transition,” said Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “His ability to convert goal chances is extraordinary and he has a willingness to defend. We look forward to integrating him into the team quickly.”
Tanner didn’t have to wait long for that, as the 2022 USL Golden Boot Winner made his debut with Philadelphia Saturday against Toronto. You can read more about that match here.
IIoski, along with Mikael Uhre, Bruno Damiani and Tai Baribo, gives Philly as formidable of a striker group as any club in the league. We’ll see how he fits moving forward.
