With little rest, Union will face tough FC Dallas

Friday, May 13, 2011
Posted: 1:45 p.m.

By Ryan Bright
CSNPhilly.com Contributor

CHESTER, Pa.Fresh off a gutsy and impressive comeback draw against the Western Conference-leading L.A. Galaxy, the Union have reason to celebrate. But, they wont rejoice just yet.

They have another tough game on Saturday at Pizza Hut Park against FC Dallas, which will complete a gauntlet stretch of three games in eight days.

I think it is going to help define our season, how well we can do on the road against Dallas, said Danny Califf. If we can come out of this month with some decent points, I think it will be huge going forward.

It is one of those points in the season when it is going to be tough.

The Union, who earned a 1-1 tie against the Galaxy on Wednesday night, moved within one point of the New York Red Bulls for first place in the Eastern Conference despite milking just one draw in the teams last two games. Their date with Dallas, just three days later, gives the Union a golden opportunity to salvage the tough stretch with a road result.

I think, for us, its exciting to play a tough game," said forward Sebastien Le Toux. "As a player, we love to play games, even if its in a short period of time. I think well be prepared.

The key to success, however, will be the Unions ability to physically recover quickly from the hard-fought contest.

You just deal with it the best that you can, said assistant coach John Hackworth, who filled in for head coach Peter Nowak on Saturday. The guys that played Wednesday, were just trying to get their legs back and get healthy. Its more tactical in nature, than anything, trying to get ready for Dallas. Its a quick turnaround and its not ideal, but it is what it is.

But it wont be easy.

Dallas holds a 4-3-2 record and is 3-1-1 in Pizza Hut Park with key wins against the Galaxy, Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids. Dallas, which beat and tied the Union last season by a combined score of 4-2, has a speedy offense led by newly extended midfielder Brek Shea. Their MVP from last season, midfielder David Ferreira, leads the team with three goals but went down with a broken ankle on April 23. But even that didnt slow Dallas, which is 2-0-1 since his departure.

Dallas is a little different now after theyve lost David, Hackworth said. Theyre trying to find how they are going to deal with that and put different guys in that situation. The speed up front is really significant in Dallas right now and I think they are establishing a bit of a rhythm. We know its going to be a tough game.

Yet, in providing chances, Dallas has somewhat neglected defensive duties as it has conceded 10 goals against in 14 games. By contrast, the Union have given up just four during the same span.

But the Union will have more than just momentum on their side. Although their offense has been sputtering, scoring just six goals in eight games, the Union have been earning results on guts and hard work. With Danny Mwangas surge late against the Galaxy, the Union, according to Elias Sports Bureau, lead the league in points earned with five in the final 15 minutes of games this season.

Its just fighting for 90 minutes, said Mwanga. I think we have to give credit to our team. If things dont go well in the first 45 minutes, we dont put our heads down. We still fight for every ball until the end of the game.

Mwanga hopes his first of the year sparks the Union offense into some production.

It was very big, for myself personally, said the second-year striker. Just getting the first one out of the way makes me feel good about myself and pushes me to work even harder to get more.

The Unions rigorous schedule claimed its first casualty on Wednesday as goaltender and captain Faryd Mondragon suffered a groin tweak late in the game. He finished the contest and is expected to start on Saturday.

Hes probable right now, said Hackworth. Our medical and training staff has done a ton of work on him and we feel pretty good about it. Well go through a couple tests tomorrow and as long as hes good to go, well have him.

If Mondragon isnt able to compete, the Union will call on rookie Zac MacMath, the teams first-round (fifth overall) selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

Zac is ready, said Hackworth. Hes champing at the bit a little and would welcome the opportunity if it presents itself.

Skipper returns to sidelines.
Although he missed Wednesdays 1-1 home draw against the Galaxy in person because of a prestigious soccer charity and business event in Poland, coach Peter Nowak still managed to study every minute of his teams play.

He watched the game and as soon as I walked off the field, his was the first text message I got, said assistant coach John Hackworth, who filled in for the boss. We went back-and-forth and he knew every detail just like he was sitting on the sidelines.

Nowak was back was home at PPL Park on Friday conducting practice and will be on the sidelines for Saturday match against FC Dallas.

E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com

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