In final two games, Union have an eye on next year
For the fifth time in their six-year history, the Union are playing out the string after failing to qualify for the Major League Soccer playoffs.
For the fifth time in their six-year history, the Union are playing out the string after failing to qualify for the Major League Soccer playoffs.
At 9-16-7 and with two games remaining, the Union look to avoid tying a franchise record for most losses. That came in 2012, when they lost 18 games.
Union coach Jim Curtin is looking at these final two games as a way to evaluate players.
The Union will visit the New York Red Bulls at 3 p.m. Sunday and then close out their season the following Sunday by hosting Orlando City.
"It has been a disappointing season and we're not happy where we are, but there are two games left and one with a big rival, Red Bulls," Curtin said this week before a practice. "In this game we will have an eye on 2016."
The Union must hire a sporting director, although owner Jay Sugarman indicated that no matter who is hired, Curtin is expected to return as coach.
That is why Curtin has already begun looking at next year, and why he believes the final two games are important.
"Guys are always evaluated and we won't just dismiss the next two games," Curtin said. "Any chance for 90 minutes is a good tool to analyze players."
The Red Bulls are 16-10-6 for 54 points, and with two games remaining they are in the running for the Supporters' Shield, for the best regular-season record.
"We will challenge our guys to play against a team fighting for the Supporters' Shield and a rival, so it is an easy game to get up for," Curtin said. "We will put a team on the field that we feel will give us a chance to win."
Union's record (road record): 9-16-7, 34 points (3-9-4).
Red Bulls' record (home record): 16-10-6, 54 points (11-3-2).
Goals: Union, 40; Red Bulls, 56.
Goals against: Union, 51, Red Bulls, 41
Last game: The Union lost, 3-1, in Toronto on Oct. 3. The Red Bulls lost, 2-1, at Toronto on Wednesday.
This year: In MLS action, the Union won, 2-0, at Red Bull Arena on May 24, while the Red Bulls earned a 3-1 win on Aug. 1 at PPL Park. The Union also won a U.S. Open Cup game at Red Bull Arena.
Outlook: Union defender Maurice Edu will miss the final two games after undergoing sports hernia surgery. . . . Forward C.J. Sapong has a team-high nine goals, along with four assists. Midfielder Cristian Maidana has 15 assists, tied for the MLS lead. . . . Forward Bradley Wright-Phillips leads the Red Bulls with 15 goals while midfielder Sacha Kljestan has a team-high 12 assists. Keeper Luis Robles has recorded nine shutouts. . . . Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga is out because of yellow card accumulation and three players are out with injuries - defender Chris Duvall (leg), forward Anatole Abang (hamstring), and defender Roy Miller (knee).
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