Game vs. D.C. United has 'playoff feel' for Union

PETER NOWAK was 30 minutes late getting to the podium for his weekly news conference at PPL Park yesterday - but the Union boss had good reason.

He and his team were feverishly analyzing video in preparation for tonight's Eastern Conference clash against D.C. United, a match that mathematically isn't a must win for Union playoff implications, but obvious in how precious three points are at this point in the season.

"[A win in] this game can change a lot of things for us," midfielder Freddy Adu said. "For me, it definitely has a playoff feel to it, and that's how I think we all are approaching it."

With virtually no elbow room between teams in the East, four games remain for the Union. Though with games in hand over the teams ahead of it in the standings, the Union sits fourth in the East with 40 points, a point behind Kansas City and Columbus and two behind Houston. Nipping at the heels like an annoying Jack Russell terrier are New York (39) and United (38).

Nowak has shuffled his lineup this season more times than a deck of playing cards, which has allowed some players to shine. Arguably the biggest is diminutive playmaker Roger Torres, who has gone from second-half spark to the starting 11 and provided the offensive attack the Union has needed. Torres (who stands 5-3) has started in eight of his 21 appearances and has tallied three goals and an assist.

Though listed as questionable on the injury report, defender Sheanon Williams is scheduled to rejoin the starting lineup, a source told the Daily News. Williams, who suffered a concussion in a win against Columbus on Sept. 17, told fans he was "feeling better" during a live chat on the club's website yesterday. Injuries and inconsistency have been a big concern of Nowak's for much of the season.

"We still have injuries and we are doing all we can to get guys back healthy," Nowak said. "We are trying to have 24 to 25 guys back that are fit and healthy for this [postseason] run."

Conversely, D.C. United has a formidable attack, spearheaded by forward Dwayne DeRosario. DeRosario - who wrapped up player of the week honors this week for the third time this season - has 10 goals and six assists in 12 matches since joining United on June 27.

"This is an important game for both teams to prove that they are ready for the final push," Nowak said. "But I think we have been playing well. [Backup goalkeeper Zac MacMath] has been playing smart in the back, and our back line is doing a very good job. I think for the final push we just need to find the mentality."

ODDS AND ENDLINES

 Tonight's match is a reunion of sorts for midfielder Freddy Adu, who got his professional start with D.C. United in 2004, playing under Peter Nowak. Adu, then a precocious 14-year-old touted as the future of U.S. Soccer, and Nowak celebrated a title that year. One of Adu's teammates was Ben Olsen, now United's coach. "Obviously there is some emotion," Adu said. "When I grew up, to have to chance to play professionally and get my start there was incredible," said Adu. But I am a Philadelpia Union player now and I am out there to do anything to help my team win tomorrow night." . . . Nowak said more concrete information will be available early next week regarding the status of starting goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon. Mondragon, 40, heads into the third week of recovery and rehabilitation since fracturing his right finger Sept. 3 against Real Salt Lake. Backup Zac MacMath has been a beast in relief, going undefeated (1-0-3) in four matches, registering a 1.11 goals-against average.

AGENDA

Who: D.C. United (9-8-11, 38 points) at Union (9-7-13, 40)

When: Tonight, 8 o'clock

Where: PPL Park, Chester

TV: ESPN2

On the web: Streaming online at MLSSoccer.com

Last time out: Carlos Ruiz scored for the Union, but United won 2-1 at RFK Stadium.

INJURY REPORT

Out for the Union: Faryd Mondragon, GK (right finger fracture); Thorne Holder, GK (concussion); Levi Houapeu, FW (left ankle strain); questionable: Sheanon Williams, DF (right hamstring contusion); Stefani Miglioranzi, MF (right knee inflammation); probable: Veljko Paunovic, FW (left calf strain); Danny Mwanga, FW (right hip flexor strain)

Out for D.C. United: Branko Boskovic, MF (left ACL tear); Chris Pontius, MF (right tibia fracture); Jed Zayner, DF (left knee sprain); questionable: Steve Cronin, GK (right shoulder strain); Dejan Jakovic, DF (right hamstring strain)