Union eager for home opener against D.C. United

It seems like a long time ago when the Union's inaugural Major League Soccer season began with a 2-0 loss at Seattle on March 25.

With more than two weeks to regroup, the Union are more than eager to return to action in front of the likes of Vice President Biden and a fan base that is already distinguishing itself for its support.

Professional soccer returns to Philadelphia when the Union play host to D.C. United in Saturday's 6 p.m. game at Lincoln Financial Field.

About 30,000 tickets have been sold so far for the opener.

One person who won't have to purchase a ticket is Biden, who will participate in the first-kick ceremonies prior to the game.

Then the players will take the field, having had plenty of time to contemplate their opening loss and work on adjustments against the 0-2 United.

And the Union clearly realize the significance of playing their first game in front of the home fans.

"It is really exciting for us to be able to be a part of it and to say we stepped on the field and played in the very first game at home in the team's history," Union central defender Danny Califf said. "From a player's perspective, it's a fantastic opportunity."

When the Union last played, the Phillies were still in spring training, Donovan McNabb was still an Eagle, and the NCAA was just beginning the Sweet 16 phase of the men's championship tournament.

"In that aspect, it has been kind of frustrating that we couldn't redeem ourselves right away," Union goalie Chris Seitz said. "But on the positive side, we have had a long time to prepare for D.C. United and have had more time to get better."

There has been so much time between games that United has played twice since the Union's opener.

A key for the Union will be to avoid getting caught up in the emotion of the moment while still taking advantage of the support they should receive from the home crowd.

"We understand the importance of the situation but also recognize it is important to take that support and make it into a positive for us," said Union forward Alejandro Moreno. "We can't feel that we have to win the game in the first five to 10 minutes."

In the loss at Seattle, the Union were assessed five yellow cards and had to play a man short after defender Toni Stahl received his second yellow and consequent red card in the 41st minute.

Stahl must sit out Saturday's game as a result of the red card, but the Union get midfielder Fred back after he sat out the opener following a red card in last year's regular-season finale while playing for D.C. United.

The long-awaited signing of Cristian Arrieta with the Union has finally taken place, clearing the way for the defender to possibly play in Saturday's game.

Another story line will be the fan support for both teams. United is bringing busloads of supporters from Washington. Because the two cities are in relatively close proximity, this I-95 matchup has a chance to become a real rivalry.

At the least, it culminates an interesting sports week between the two areas that began with McNabb's trade to the Redskins, continued with the Phillies opening their season taking two of three from the Nationals in Washington, and now brings the first home game in Union franchise history, against United.