Surging Union embracing road warrior style

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Independence Day celebrations will highlight Friday's match at Toyota Stadium, when the Union take on FC Dallas.

Fortunately for the visitors, they don’t have to supply the fireworks.

“They feel pressure to play well in front of the fans [at PPL Park],” interim Union manager Jim Curtin said about his club’s struggles at home this season. “They put a little unneeded pressure on themselves to impress the fans and play a beautiful, attacking style of soccer. We’ve gotten away from what really wins in MLS, which is grinding out a 1-0 win.”

With two U.S. Open Cup wins and coming off an impressive victory over the New England Revolution last Saturday, the Union are happy to be hitting the road once again. It’s an odd premise, but Curtin’s club is 4-7-6 this season with three of its four wins coming as visitors.

“It’s mentality,” Curtin said. “They’ve shown a collective effort on the road and the confidence that not only can we win on the road but score goals. We’ve kind of embraced it.”

While the Union have confidence in their pocket, also helping their effort will be a healthy lineup. After playing three games -- all competitions -- without midfield star Vincent Nogueria (groin) and missing center back Austin Berry (ribs) since May 17, the Union expect both to be ready in some capacity Friday.

Curtin feels that a healthy lineup is great for everyone.

“Competition is great, a little fear goes a long way,” Curtin said. “All those things are healthy and the things you need in every group. You start to look at the bench and have Austin Berry. Off the bench in the last game we bring in a former No. 1 pick and we bring in Brian Carroll, who has done it for 15 years. Depth in the group is growing.”

Outside of competition, Berry’s return is great news for the Union, who had midfielder Maurice Edu and right back Sheanon Williams playing center back, while Amobi Okugo played a supporting role in the midfield.

“Austin is in good form and good health right now,” said Curtin, who also discussed the Union’s desire to bring former all-star center back Carlos Valdes back from loan following the World Cup (see story). “He’s been playing, so that’s a big positive -- to have a center back that is actually a center back.”

But even with all the advantages they can gather, the Union are still staring at a formidable opponent.

Led by Blas Perez, Fabian Castillo and Michel's five goals each, well-rounded FC Dallas is second in the Western Conference in goals with 28 in 18 games.

“This game against Dallas is a challenge,” Curtin said. “They are a top transition team in our league. They have some speed out wide and they can get at you.”

FC Dallas, which is 6-7-5 this season and 5-3-1 at home, is living off a fantastic start to the 2014 season but has struggled of late. After going 4-0-1 to begin its year, Dallas went 2-7-4 and is 1-1-3 in its last five.

But regardless of Dallas’ recent record, Curtin knows the Union will get a competitive match. That’s because Dallas manager Oscar Pareja wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I played against Oscar when he was with Dallas and I was a young kid,” Curtin said. “I looked up to him as a guy that just competed. A crazy competitor, he was a little crazy on the field, too. He’s a guy I respect and treats people with respect. He’s done a great job in Dallas, and he’ll have his team ready to play.”

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