Union get first point of season

THE UNION earned its first points of 2012 following a scoreless draw against Vancouver Saturday at PPL Park.

In the return of Sebastien Le Toux, the Union not only held the former teammate scoreless, but snapped a three-game losing streak in addition to goalkeeper Zac MacMath earning his first shutout of the season.

Still, manager Peter Nowak knows there is plenty his young team needs to work on in preparation for its next test, Columbus, on Saturday, April 14 (3:30 p.m., NBC Sports Network).

"We didn't give up a goal, I think the defensive work was very solid," said Nowak. "[But] do we need polish some things offensively? Yes, of course. But I think that's with the confidence, with the winning games. I think we're in a good way right now - we have a couple of weeks to polish things and I think we're going to be more efficient."

The Union had its best defensive showing of the season and much of that can be attributed to the return of captain Danny Califf, who made his first appearance since the club's season opener in Portland. Califf, recovering from offseason knee surgery, received a rousing ovation from the Union faithful.

"It was amazing. It was great to get back out there and feel comfortable and know that I had all that support behind me," said Califf. "And a clean sheet . . . always right in my end of the world. Obviously we're disappointed not to get three points, but I think keeping a clean sheet, especially for our confidence in the back and with Zac, is really key. I think [this Vancouver match] was a solid, solid team performance, and I think if we continue to play games like this, we'll get plenty of results."