I’m going to be upfront with you, Philadelphia. I don’t want to be writing this installment of Weekend Rips whatsoever. This week has been absolutely dreadful. The Sixers played like a CYO league team made up of the “sensitive” kids, and the Phillies blew three leads in one game against the Nationals. The shame and disappointment I’ve carried all week have broken me down into a shell of the man I was. Combine that with being woken up by a demolition crew two houses down, and I’d much rather be in bed wondering where my life went wrong like I do every morning before work.

The series loss to the Hawks has left me mentally fragile. Every time I try to write a sentence, I end up sitting here thinking about the Albanian girl I was in love with but never said anything to. What if I had just said something to her? How about if I asked her to hang out? What if Ben Simmons just dunked the ball? Questions we’ll never have the answer to. The city’s hopes of championship glory – much like my hopes of charming that Balkan beauty – have been dashed. 

Regardless of the romantic follies of my youth, we’ve got a ton of events to preview. Beer joke, drinking pun, it’s been two years stop thinking about her. It’s time to let it rip.

Union look to bomb Chiraq

That’s right, baby. The Union have officially snatched a spot in Weekend Rips. Granted, they should have had one from the start, but I was so preoccupied with the now-useless Sixers I could not see the immense success the team is having. If you follow The Liberty Line, you may already know how high I am on this team.

The Union haven’t lost in their last seven games, most recently defeating the defending MLS champs Columbus Crew 1-0 at Subaru Park. This weekend, the boys head to Chicago to take on the Fire. I expect a Union win and will be putting money down on Polish striker Kacper Przybyłko as an anytime goalscorer.

This team very well could save summer here in Philadelphia, so keep an eye on them beyond this weekend. Catch the match @ 8 pm on PHL 17 and (for free!) on philadelphiaunion.com.

Phillies play four games in three days against the Mets

You know what? Fuck the Phillies, dude. Here’s the weekend schedule, let’s keep it moving.

The College World Series is electric

I grossly underestimated how incredible a spectacle the CWS is. Super odd to me that it’s in Omaha, Nebraska, but I’m sure there’s a good reason for it. These college games are far more entertaining than any Phillies game I’ve watched the last three seasons, and it’s not even close.

I understand these are the best handful of teams in the country, the cream of the crop. Please take advantage of the opportunity, so no to the corrupt NBA, and watch college baseball while you still can.

Friday, June 25 (via ncaa.com)

Game 11: NC State vs. Vanderbilt | 2 p.m. ET | ESPN2

Game 12: Mississippi State vs. Texas | 7 p.m. | ESPN

Euro knockout phase kick offs Saturday

Two soccer sections in one Weekend Rips? That’s what happens when the other teams in Philadelphia lose my interest and respect.

This tournament has been a banger, with a ton of high-scoring matches. There are games at 12 pm and 3 pm every day starting Saturday. Belgium vs. Portugal is sure to be the marquis matchup of the weekend. The match kicks off on Sunday at 3 pm. If you want to watch, be sure the game is on the TV right at kick-off, soccer actually starts on time.

I give ESPN a lot of shit, but their soccer coverage is pretty damn good.

NBA Conference Finals

I’ll be quick with this one. Bucks vs. Hawks is at 8:30 tonight. Suns vs. Clippers will be at 9 pm on Saturday. This is going to be one of the worst weekends of my life.

I didn’t even get her Snapchat… damn.

The Liberty Line

Yet another fantastic week at TLL. The articles have been flowing, Drew has been cooking up some beautiful graphics, and the boys are buzzing. I really do feel fortunate to write for the most aesthetically pleasing sports blog in Philadelphia. I mean, just look at this website.

I an exciting piece of business news, our articles are now available on News Break, so go drop us a follow here. You can also download the app. It’ll keep you up to date with all of the quality journalism here at TLL. Unfortunately, you won’t see my articles in there because they are in no way quality journalism.

Alright, that’s my time. You’ve been a great audience. Don’t forget to tip your waiters and waitresses, and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way to the sesh.

If you need me, I’ll be googling flights to Albania.

Listen to The Wolves of Broad St

Mandatory Credit: The Brotherly Game