Union won't lack motivation against Whitecaps

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CHESTER, Pa. -- Taking on a cross-country trip, layover and the unfamiliarity of a Western Conference opponent, the Union will face plenty of added challenges Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.

“We’re playing a team in good form and they are undefeated at home,” Union manager John Hackworth said. “They have great supporting fans and they make it loud. The game itself will be difficult. Add in the fact that we have to travel cross-country with a layover to deal with, and it’s a challenge.”

With a 7-0-3 record at home and 9-6-5 overall, the Whitecaps are a formidable opponent for the Union. Led by Camilo Sanvezzo’s MLS-leading 13 goals and former Union goalkeeper Brad Knighton, the Whitecaps are 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

“Camillo is on a tear, we have to worry about him,” Union defender Amobi Okugo said. “They have a good midfield with [Gershon Koffie] and [Nigel Reo-Coker], [Jun Marques Davidson] holding. They have a good attacking core with Brad holding the fort in the back. It’ll be a tough game but we’ve been good on the road, so hopefully we can keep it going."

To beat Knighton, the Union want to multiply their chances. Going scoreless against the Portland Timbers last Saturday, the 8-6-7 Union have been shut out twice in their last three games.

“What we know is that Brad is good and we’ll have to make plays to get the ball past him,” Hackworth said. “We hope we give ourselves plenty of opportunities because of the more opportunities we create, the better chance of finishing. That’s our goal."

Hurting that cause will be the absence of forward Conor Casey, who is second on the Union with seven goals but will be suspended for the contest as a result of yellow card accumulation.

“Being without Casey will be tough because we truly established the way we play with what he gives us,” Hackworth said. “This gives us some tactical options to try and figure out how we’ll match up with Vancouver. Losing Conor is a tough one, but it’s an opportunity to get some other guys on the field.”

Without Casey, the Union will lean on leading scorer Jack McInerney to regain his scoring form and pace the club’s attack. McInerney has gone four straight games without a goal -- his longest drought of the season.

“If you’re a goal-scorer in this sport, you’ll go through times when you’re hot and just not getting a goal,” Hackworth said. “That’s normal. I don’t think Jack is having a bad run of games. As long as he continues to play well, that’s important for us. He’s been good in training and finding the back of the net in training. That’s just what he does. We hope he can do it this Saturday."

The Union will also receive the services of center attacking midfielder Keon Daniel, who returns to the team after a CONCACAF Gold Cup run with Trinidad and Tobago. Daniel is battling Michael Farfan, Leo Fernandes and healthy Kleberson for a starting role on Saturday (see story).

“It’s fantastic to have Keon back,” Okugo said. “He’s a calming presence in the midfield and keeps possession in tight spaces."

Whichever lineup or strategy Hackworth rolls out on Saturday, he expects winning motivation during the rare cross-conference, cross-country trip.

“In the last month, we’ve lost points for various reasons,” Hackworth said. “Dallas, Salt Lake and Portland last Saturday. Any time you have a game coming up, you say this is an opportunity to pick up points. Playing away is always hard but our team is looking at it like they can compete with the best teams in this league and done pretty well. I don’t think we go into Vancouver afraid of that situation. We know they are a good team and we will have to play an excellent game."

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