Union need a victory to stay in playoff hunt

With seven games left in the Major League Soccer season, the Union still aren't out of what is a scrambled playoff picture. Wednesday's 10 p.m. game at San Jose against the Earthquakes is one in which the Union get the chance to make ground on another team clearly in the postseason picture.

With a 6-11-6 record, the Union have 24 points. San Jose (9-7-6) is sitting in the final playoff spot. The Earthquakes are tied for seventh with Seattle, both having 33 points. Eight teams will qualify for the postseason.

The Union are playing their best soccer, having gone 2-0-1 in their last three games, following Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire at sold-out PPL Park. Goalie Brad Knighton, making only his second start of the year, recorded the first shutout in franchise history.

Forward Danny Mwanga, whose X-rays on the shoulder he injured Saturday were negative, has made the trip with the team. A team official said that Mwanga is questionable.

Union midfielder Justin Mapp has at least one point in each of the last three games, with one goal and three assists. He assisted on Sebastien Le Toux's team-high 11th goal on Saturday.

Acquired from Chicago Fire on July 27, Mapp fits in with the Union's aggressive offensive attacking style. He has shown a willingness to take on defenders and create opportunities.

"This is a great team to play for because they all share the ball," Mapp said. I am trying to fit it, learn these other guys strengths and do my part."

Philadelphia's Bobby Convey has enjoyed an impressive season at midfield for San Jose. Convey has one goal and a team-high nine assists in 21 starts. One of those assists came in a 2-1 win over the Union on July 10 at PPL Park. Four of Convey's assists have been game-winners.

After Wednesday, the Union are off until Sept. 25, when they play host to Chivas USA.