As usual, Union opens season on the road

IF THE SOCCER GODS smiled on Philadelphia, the Union would open its MLS season tonight inside PPL Park against an inferior opponent in front of a soldout crowd.

But for the third straight season, the city known for its Brotherly Love won't receive any.

The Union opens its 2012 campaign in Portland against an up-and-coming MLS franchise that also boasts one of the most rabid fanbases in the league.

"You'd like to believe we'd have a home game, but once again this is the situation we have," Union boss Peter Nowak said.

Tonight marks the third year in a row the Union opens its MLS season on the road. In 2010, Seattle was the club's first-ever opponent. Last year, a win over Houston kicked off Year 2.

"But for most of our group, we have already played over [at Portland's Jeld-Wen Stadium]," Nowak said. "That game was a big night, too. It doesn't matter where we play, we are looking to have a good start, because it really does set the tone for the rest of the season."

Portland is unique. The Union will play in a stadium where the crowd is literally a few feet from the field, and on a narrow turf pitch that will move the ball around a lot faster. Factor in the atmosphere and conditions and you have quite the litmus test for a Union side expected to be in the hunt for an MLS Cup.

"I am expecting more of what they were able to attain last year in the sense that they are a lot like us," said midfielder Union Brian Carroll. "[The Timber] are a solid group that have some new key additions. They are a group that tries to capitalize on any mistakes, so if we are to have any chance, we have to make sure, collectively, that we minimize those."

The Timbers have a trio of threats who will miss tonight's match due to injury. Forward Eddie Johnson (concussion), midfielder Sal Zizzo (ACL surgery) and defender Mamadou "Futty" Danso (foot fracture) are all out, with Danso arguably the biggest loss of the three; he made 23 starts last season, scoring three goals.

"I'd like to be standing right now telling you that we've got 25, 26 guys that are fully healthy and ready to go and fight . . . but we don't and that's a little bit of a disappointment," Timbers coach John Spencer said. "But we've never made excuses in the past and we're not really starting to come out now. We're in good shape."

In January, the Timbers traded top goal scorer Kenny Cooper to New York for a Super Draft pick and allocation money. The question now - in many ways like it is with the Union - is whom will take over the production? Forwards Jack Jewsbury (seven goals, eight assists in 2011) and Jorge Perlaza (six goals) are back, though Perlaza will play with tendinitis in his left Achilles.'

"We have to impose our game, especially on the road and that starts against Portland," said Carroll. "To play good soccer, be strong, physical and more often than not outsmart the opposition. We do that and do it consistently starting against Portland, it's going to be a fun season."