For Union, a screen test in L.A.

This is clearly a much different start to the Major League Soccer season for both the Union and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Union (2-0) visit David Beckham and the Galaxy (1-1-1) in Saturday's 10:30 p.m. game at the Home Depot Center. In their inaugural MLS season, the Union were 1-3 overall and 0-3 on the road before their 3-1 loss in Los Angeles on May 1.

The Union lost their first five MLS road games before beating Houston in late May.

This season, the Union opened with a 1-0 win at Houston.

The Galaxy, on the other hand, began last season 10-0-2 and did not lose their first game until June 9. This season, Los Angeles has allowed five goals, including last week's 4-1 loss at Real Salt Lake. A year ago, Los Angeles did not allow its fifth goal until the 15th game.

But L.A. is still considered to be among the league's better teams.

The game provides an early-season measuring stick for the Union, coming off Saturday's 1-0 victory over the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps in the home opener.

"For us as a team, this is a real test against one of the best teams in league," Union defender Danny Califf said. "We can show where we are and how far we have really come in the last year and a half."

Landon Donovan will return for the Galaxy after missing last week's game while playing for the United States national team in a friendly against Argentina.

Beckham, who had an assist against Real Salt Lake, is still rounding into form, according to coach Bruce Arena.

Brazilian midfielder Juninho scored in each of the Galaxy's first two games, a 1-0 win at Seattle and a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution.

"He is a very sneaky type midfielder," Union midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi said. "You don't think he is around the play and he shows up in a spot, just like you saw against New England and Seattle."

The additions of goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, defender Carlos Valdes, midfielder Brian Carroll, along with forward Carlos Ruiz, have made a huge difference for the Union. Mondragon has two shutouts behind a defense anchored by Valdes. Carroll has been a defensive presence in the midfield, and Ruiz scored the goal in last week's win over Vancouver.

"They are an improved team and a little bit older than last year when they were a bit younger and inexperienced," Arena said. "When you add players such as Mondragon, Carroll, Ruiz and Valdes, you are getting more experience."

The key for the Union will be getting off to a good start. Last year, Los Angeles scored in the first minute on the way to a 3-0 halftime lead.

"Last year, the most important thing was they scored that first goal," Union team manager Peter Nowak said. "We need to be careful about that."

De Rosario to Red Bulls. Toronto FC has traded captain Dwayne De Rosario to the New York Red Bulls for midfielder Tony Tchani, defender Danleigh Borman, and a first-round draft pick in 2012.

The 32-year-old De Rosario scored 15 of the Canadian club's 33 goals last season, though he's been upset with his contract status for the past couple seasons. He made $443,750 last year while designated player Julian de Guzman made $1.7 million.

Toronto FC coach Aron Winter called the move "part of our [rebuilding] process."