The work has been put in, the mid-season slump is squashed. Now, leading the Eastern Conference by two points with 47 and facing a playoff-clinching game against Toronto FC on Saturday at PPL Park, the Unions postseason destiny is firmly in their hands.
Its the game of the year for us, said veteran Veljko Paunovic on Thursday at YSC Sports. We know what it means and we have to play 100 percent and cant overlook Toronto based on the position we are. We just have to think this is the biggest and best team were facing. We have to win this game, whatever it takes. We need to give more than we have up to this point. Everything.
With a golden opportunity to not only confirm their first ever playoff berth, but grab a hold of the top seed in the conference, Saturdays contest is of utmost importance for the young Union, who can taste their goal in front of them.
Weve been needing to get three points for the past few weeks, said Gabriel Farfan. We were able to get the three points in Seattle and were looking to get three more.
Momentum will be on the side of the Union, who received goals from Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll in an impressive 2-0 road win over the powerful Seattle Sounders last Saturday.
It gave us confidence and put us in a position where were in control, said Paunovic. I think its a big win and it could be the best game of the season on the road for us.
However, Toronto, at 6-13-13, wont be the pushover it was earlier in the season when the Union took their hosts down 6-2 on the road on May 28. Going 2-1-2 in its last five games, Toronto may be out of the playoff picture, but with Danny Koevermans and a cast of players trying to secure their future, the Union are expecting to have their hands full.
We need to compete from the first minute to the last, because its difficult facing a team like Toronto that dont have anything in play, said Paunovic. Thats much more dangerous for teams like us who have a lot in play.
Bolstered lately by their timely offense that earned six goals in their past three games, the Union could get a boost on the defensive side on Saturday, with the return of captain and goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who has been out of the lineup since Sept. 3 with a broken finger. Although rookie Zac MacMath recorded three shutouts in his seven starts in relief, the emotional injection of Mondragon is just one more reason for Union to ride high against Toronto.
Everyone in the locker room feels it, said Farfan. Everyone has a positive outlook on making the playoffs.
Yet, the Unions greatest weapon on Saturday will be their home-field advantage. Holding a 7-1-8 record at PPL Park and the playoff scent wafting in the air, Toronto could be running into a buzzsaw.
Its very important because with the supporters we have it will be very stimulating for us, said Paunovic. Were all excited and expecting big things from this game on Saturday. Weve been practicing everyday, the atmosphere is good and were expecting to play our best game of the season.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com.