Union set for huge matchup with DC United

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CHESTER, Pa. -- For weeks, through good and bad, the Union have been clawing and fighting to keep their spot amongst the top tier of the Eastern Conference standings. Their work, tenacious, yet not always perfect, was constant with the objective to keep the team within striking distance of the tables leader.

And on Thursday night at PPL Park against rival DC United, and standing just two points from first place, the Union will get their chance to strike.

This game can change a lot of things around as far as the playoff picture is concerned, said Freddy Adu. It definitely has a playoff feel to it and thats how were approaching it.

Climbing out of their late-season funk that saw them winless in eight games, the Union, 9-7-13, have rattled off a season-saving win against the Columbus Crew and a hard-fought road draw against Sporting Kansas City last week. Led by the resurgent offense of Sebastien Le Toux, who has seven goals in his last seven games, the second-year club is approaching post-season form.

Every game is important but when you get to this point in the season, with teams fighting for a playoff spot, it requires a lot more concentration and being ready mentally, Adu said. Its crunch time, not just for us, but everyone is fighting for a playoff spot. Its going to be just like a playoff game.

To stop the United, the Union will have to neutralize potent and red-hot Dwayne De Rosario, who is coming off the fastest hat trick in MLS history in his teams 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Sept. 24. It will be up to the Union to keep their defensive poise and rookie goalie Zac MacMath, who is 1-0-3 with nine saves, to fend off the dynamic opposition.

Hes an important piece of their team and their playoff run, said coach Peter Nowak of De Rosario. We gotta keep our eye on him and make sure we keep our defensive form. MacMath has organized things well and Danny Califf has been big for us in the back end, so we are moving in the right direction.

For Nowak, the key to stopping the Uniteds offense is to force them into playing defense.

We need to keep the ball in front and keep attacking, he said.

With the two-headed 21-combined goal attack of De Rosario and Charlie Davis, despite being 9-8-11 and in the lower echelon of the Eastern Conference standings, the United are just four points out of first place, making their clash with the Union one of utmost importance.

We know they're gonna' come here and try to get points as well, said Adu, who began his career and won an MLS Cup in DC. Its a big game for both teams.

I do expect it to be a battle.

The Union and United, who have a conference-best road record of 5-5-4, wrestled to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season at RFK Stadium, as former Union striker Carlos Ruiz scored late to tie the game. It was a tight contest but on Thursday, Nowak knows the intensity will be kicked up a notch.

The mentality isnt going to change on both sides, said Nowak. Were both in the position, very close to playoffs and its a very big game for both teams. I believe that both teams are ready for a final push and Im hoping that the game will be decided on the field the right way.

E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com.

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