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Union practice on narrower field to get ready for Portland

The Union have a narrow focus in preparing for Friday's Major League Soccer game in Portland against the expansion Timbers.

Union defender Jordan Harvey will not play in Friday's match after receiving a red card last match. (Rich Schultz/AP Photo)
Union defender Jordan Harvey will not play in Friday's match after receiving a red card last match. (Rich Schultz/AP Photo)Read more
    Inquirer
    Published 

The Union have a narrow focus in preparing for Friday's Major League Soccer game in Portland against the expansion Timbers.

Portland's field is among the most narrow in MLS and is made of artificial turf. According to a team official, the dimensions at Jeld-Wen Field are 70 yards by 110 yards. The only other MLS pitch that is as narrow is Toronto's, which is 69 yards by 105 yards.

So the Union moved their practices this week to YSC Sports in Wayne, which has an artificial-turf field with dimensions similar to Portland's.

"Teams coming to Portland have had a difficult time adjusting," Union team manager Peter Nowak said. "We hope that our time at YSC, with the turf and field dimensions the same as Portland, helped us get ready this week."

In MLS games, Portland is 3-0 this season at home, including a 1-0 victory last week over highly touted Real Salt Lake.

No appeal

After Saturday's 1-0 victory over San Jose, Nowak indicated that the Union would appeal a red card assessed to defender Jordan Harvey in the 41st minute for what was termed violent conduct on a tackle.

Even the most objective would have to concede that it didn't appear as if Harvey deserved a yellow card, let alone a red.

Nowak said he called MLS to voice his displeasure but didn't go through with an appeal because he knew he couldn't win.

So Harvey will sit out Friday's game in Portland.

Stellar debut

Union midfielder Michael Farfan made his debut with the team, playing the entire second half in Saturday's 1-0 win over San Jose.

Farfan was cited by a number of his teammates, including goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, for his strong defensive play, especially since the Union had to play a man down the entire half.

"I would say I was more anxious to get on the field than nervous," Farfan said. "I think I did well and was pretty calm and felt I did my part to help us win the game."

Nowak indicated that either Farfan or his twin brother Gabriel could be candidates to fill in for Harvey against Portland. - Marc Narducci

    Inquirer