Union prepare for crucial game with United
The Union's interim manager, Jim Curtin, had to address rumors this week that his interim tag had been removed, but he is faced with an even bigger concern Saturday.
The Union's interim manager, Jim Curtin, had to address rumors this week that his interim tag had been removed, but he is faced with an even bigger concern Saturday.
That's when the Union (9-9-11) will visit D.C. United (14-9-6) in a Major League Soccer game with playoff implications.
The Union have 38 points, two behind the fifth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, with five games left. D.C. United entered the weekend in first place with 48 points.
One problem the Union face is the possibility that defender Ethan White, who was acquired in the offseason from United, could miss the game with a left hamstring injury.
White left Saturday's scoreless draw with visiting Houston in the 52d minute and was replaced by Amobi Okugo.
Neither Curtin nor White would declare him out for Saturday, but hamstrings often require significant recovery time.
White said he has never had a hamstring injury before. "It's tough, but it's part of the game and I am doing what I can to get back," he said.
It's likely that if Okugo gets the start, he will play in the midfield. When Okugo replaced White on Saturday, he went to the midfield and Maurice Edu moved from the midfield to center back.
"I lean more toward Amobi in the midfield," Curtin said.
Okugo did not play in the 3-1 extra-time loss to Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup final on Sept. 16 and did not see the field until White's injury Saturday. Before the Open Cup, he had started the previous five MLS games. He has been diplomatic about his recent lack of playing time.
"I've been on both sides of the spectrum and have been a starter consistently and been on the bench, and when your name is called, you have to be ready for that," Okugo said.
While the Union had a week's rest, United was a 2-0 winner on Wednesday over visiting Tauro FC of Panama in a CONCACAF Champions League match.
United's two goals were scored by players who had been injured. Chris Pontius, who had been plagued by hamstring problems and did not make his first MLS appearance this season until Sept. 10, scored the first goal.
Eddie Johnson, who missed the previous three MLS matches with a concussion, scored the second goal.
United used many reserves in the win and should be relatively rested for the Union.
The teams haven't played since United beat the Union, 1-0, on May 10 at PPL Park. Curtin pointed out that both teams have drastically changed since then.
The playoff ramifications should make this heated rivalry that much more intense.
@sjnard
