Union plagued by inability to finish games

The Union began the second half of their Major League Soccer season pretty much the way the first half went - with dominance in possession but not on the scoreboard.

Despite clearly outplaying Columbus in the first half Thursday, and holding their own in the second, the Union sustained a 2-1 loss to the Crew, falling to 4-9-3.

There won't be much time to regroup since the Union returns to action at 6 p.m. Sunday against FC Dallas in Texas.

Thursday's game was another example of the Union's inability to finish off chances. They have an attack that continues to put pressure on teams, but have missed numerous opportunities.

With 20 goals, the Union have scored just one fewer than Dallas. However, the Union have surrendered 29 goals. Only Washington, which has allowed 31 goals, has been scored upon more than the Union.

After Thursday's loss, the players were talking about the frustration of not cashing in on scoring chances.

"It's very disappointing for us, but everybody has to look inside and see if they can get better," said forward Sebastien Le Toux, who has a team-high nine goals after scoring on a penalty kick against Columbus.

Added midfielder Fred: "It's really frustrating and we know we have to do a better job."

That won't be easy against a 6-2-9 FC Dallas team that has surrendered just 15 goals.

Against Columbus, the Union clearly missed rookie forward Danny Mwanga, who has a right ankle sprain.

Team manager Peter Nowak said Mwanga wasn't able to go after testing the ankle during warm-ups. He didn't know whether Mwanga would be available to go against Dallas.

In addition, midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi left the game late in the first half after suffering a groin injury.

"Rather than take a chance at a long-term injury, I decided to play it safe and come out," Miglioranzi said.

FC Dallas also played on Thursday, earning a 2-2 tie at home in a friendly match against Inter Milan.

Goalie Kevin Hartman, who was sensational in Dallas' 1-1 tie against the Union May 15 at Lincoln Financial Field, didn't play against Inter Milan. Hartman entered the weekend with a 0.69 goals-against average, the best in MLS.