On the verge of making playoffs, Union look to avoid complacency against Toronto

Simply suggesting that the Union could be susceptible to a letdown this week is a good indication of their rapid improvement.

The Union control their own destiny in terms of earning a playoff berth and Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference championship.

Saturday's 4 p.m. game against Toronto at what should be a rocking PPL Park is the type of trap game the Union have avoided falling into for much of this season.

Assistant coach John Hackworth said last Saturday's 2-0 win at Seattle, which holds the second-best record in MLS, was the team's best two-way performance all season. It also involved the second straight long flight the Union had to endure. The previous Sunday, they secured a 1-1 tie against Chivas USA in Carson, Calif.

So the Union picked up points in two games while averaging about six hours per flight.

Home again this week, the Union play a team they beat, 6-2, on May 28 in Toronto. They can clinch a playoff berth with at least a tie. If they win their final two games, against Toronto and New York, they will capture the Eastern Conference title.

The Union (11-7-14) are aware what is at stake, but Hackworth, for one, doesn't believe the L-word is in the team's lexicon, despite Toronto's 6-13-13 record.

"I don't fear a letdown because we realize that Toronto is a different team," he said.

Since September, Toronto is 2-1-1 in MLS games, with wins over defending league champion Colorado and Columbus, a team very much in the playoff race.

Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who has been sidelined since suffering a broken finger Sept. 3, has been training. Although he hasn't been cleared to play, it could happen any time.

Rookie Zac MacMath has stepped in and done a stellar job in goal, going 3-0-4 as a starter. He played against Seattle with a sore ankle.

"I was probably about 90 percent, but everything is good," he said.

The team could face a decision: bring Mondragon back or stay with MacMath. Some would call that a pleasant problem.

MacMath said that however things turn out, he has gained valuable experience.

"I am sorry that Faryd got injured but have been grateful for the opportunity, and I've been happy with the way I have played," MacMath said.

Like Hackworth, MacMath doesn't see a letdown.

"We view this as a really tough game, and they are seeking revenge and playing well," he said of Toronto. "We know they will be fighting."

Notes: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame will collect coats during Saturday's game as part of its "Coats for Chester" program. The goal is to distribute 1,000 winter coats to needy families this season. Coats can be dropped off at each of the gates into PPL Park, and other locations in the region. For information: www.sepasoccerhall.com.