Pontius playing big role for Union
Chris Pontius has been a popular person this week, and he understands the extra attention. This is Pontius' first year with the Union after being acquired from D.C. United, and he has been one of the best offseason additions.
Chris Pontius has been a popular person this week, and he understands the extra attention. This is Pontius' first year with the Union after being acquired from D.C. United, and he has been one of the best offseason additions.
Pontius has started all 10 games for the Union (4-3-3), and he has four goals and two assists. After playing his first seven Major League Soccer seasons with D.C. United, he will face his former team for the first time in the regular season on Friday. The Union host United (3-4-4) in a key 7 p.m. Eastern Conference game.
"I am sure it will be a bit more emotional. But to be honest it is another game, and I've played enough games with this team that I feel comfortable. So I think that will help me a lot," Pontius said.
The 29-year-old Pontius faced his former team in the preseason, but this will be much different. D.C. United is among the Union's biggest rivals, so it should add even more spice to Pontius' reunion.
"It has been very emotional, very dramatic, very chippy, and is usually good for a [penalty kick] or red card or both," Pontius said. "It's been a fun rivalry.
"As a player you enjoy those games. You don't want to shy away from these types of games."
One thing that can't be disputed is how much Pontius has meant to the Union's attack. The team has scored 14 goals, and he has either a goal or assist on six of them.
"He has a lot of experience, and you can see he has been excellent on the pitch," Union goalkeeper Andre Blake said of Pontius. "He has been a great addition for us."
Notes. The Union will host Crystal Palace for an international friendly on July 13 at Talen Energy Stadium. It will be the seventh straight year the Union have hosted a team from the English Premier League. Crystal Palace will be making its second appearance after beating the Union, 1-0 in 2014. . . . The MLS Players Union released its 2016 salary, and Maurice Edu ($793,750), Tranquillo Barnetta ($687,500) and Ilsinho ($478,333.33) are reported to have the team's highest guaranteed salaries.
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