If you saw “Titi” on the back of David Accam’s jersey in the Philadelphia Union's 2-0 win in Cincinnati in Week 5, your eyes were not deceiving you.
Accam, per a Union spokesman, has permanently changed the name on the back of his jersey to “Titi” in tribute to his father, who recently passed away. The Ghanaian winger shared the nickname with his father, and he previously sported the moniker while playing in Sweden from 2012-'14.
“It means a lot because it’s a name that me and my dad we shared," Accam confirmed postgame. "For me, I think it’s the best way to do it. To wear 'Titi' on my back to honor my late dad.”
This is Accam’s second public nod to his late father, as he dedicated his two-goal, one-assist showing vs. Columbus Crew SC last week to him. For those efforts, Accam was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 4.
Although it’s only two games, Accam is clearly playing with inspiration as he looks to put a dour 2018 season in the rearview mirror. He had one goal in 23 appearances last year, acquired via trade from the Chicago Fire after recording 33 goals and 15 assists across three seasons in the Windy City.
Accam now has three goals and two assists across his last two games, adding one of each vs. Cincy. Odds are he has Titi to thank for that.