Rapids midfielder Larentowicz eager for return home against Union

Jeff Larentowicz laughed when asked about the recent trend of his Colorado Rapids team, which plays host to the Union on Saturday.

He knew the question was coming.

So what's up with the ties?

It's a question Larentowicz, a graduate of Chestnut Hill Academy, has heard a lot recently. Colorado (4-3-6) has tied its last five games.

"I don't know," the midfielder said in a phone interview. "The games where we felt we didn't develop chances, then getting the point was sufficient - and there were games we felt we had a chance to win and didn't produce."

Last season was a dream year for Larentowicz, who earned an all-star berth and then helped Colorado capture the MLS championship.

With a large number of family and friends still in Philadelphia, he is excited to face the Union Saturday and is looking forward to the rematch, July 29 at PPL Park.

Larentowicz has continued his strong play. He has three goals and one assist, including a two-goal game in a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.

Larentowicz says he is extremely impressed with what he has seen of the Union.

"I think the first thing that comes to mind is that this is a different team," he said about the 6-3-2 Union, who won eight games in their inaugural season. "They made a lot of moves in the offseason and brought in experienced guys, and couple that with some new young faces and this is a team doing well."

Union team manager Peter Nowak and the players described Colorado as a workmanlike team, one without superstars but plenty of lunch-pail players.

"That is accurate," Larentowicz said. "There are teams with designated players and guys coming in from overseas and teams looking for quick fixes, but our mantra is more of a hardworking team and one that kind of works together. We lack the superstar, but we have multiple guys who can get the job done."

Union midfielder Justin Mapp was named MLS player of the week after scoring twice in Saturday's 6-2 win at Toronto. Mapp, who began his MLS career in 2002 with D.C. United, said it's the first time he has earned the award.

"It is a reflection of what we did as a team," Mapp said. "It happened to be me, but it was a good effort by everybody and hopefully we will continue."

On Tuesday the Union played a 1-1 draw against their affiliate, Reading United. The friendly in Reading drew a crowd of 1,373.

Gabriel Farfan, who scored a goal against Toronto, had the Union's goal.