Centerback Danny Califf is a rock in the middle after coming back to the MLS from Danish Superliga title contender FC Midtjylland. Danny 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.

Drafted by the LA Galaxy in 2000, Califf captured three championships with the team, including the 2002 MLS Cup, the 2001 U.S. Open Cup and the 2000 Champions’ Cup titles. After being traded to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005, Califf made 20 starting appearances, scoring twice, and was rewarded with a spot on the MLS Best XI team.

Following the 2005 season, he made the move across the Atlantic Ocean to Aalborg BK of the Danish Superliga. Califf made more than 50 league appearances for the Danish side in three seasons and, as a captain, led the team into the 2007 UEFA Cup group stage after a massive upset of Italian side Sampdoria. In 2008, he signed with FC Midtjylland and was immediately inserted into the starting line-up, where he made 23 appearances as vice-captain of the squad.

Named the captain of the Union before the club’s first-ever game against Seattle Sounders FC. Califf scored his first goal for the Union in the 2011 MLS season opener win against Houston Dynamo on March 19, 2011.