Union leaning on their defense early in season

While the Union have found it difficult to score, the early-season play of the defense has been a bright spot. It's been especially impressive considering the injuries that the back line has endured.

It's also possible - but not definite - that defensive reinforcements could be in store when the Union (1-1-2) visit the Chicago Fire (0-1-3) in Saturday's 5 p.m. matchup at Toyota Park.

Outside back Sheanon Williams, who has yet to play because of a quadriceps injury, has been training this week. Center back Austin Berry, acquired from the Fire during the preseason, also has been back in training after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Team manager John Hackworth would not say whether either would play, but he also did not rule it out.

The Union have scored just four goals while allowing four. In the two ties, the opponent's goals came late. During last week's 1-1 home draw with Montreal, the Impact scored the equalizer in the 80th minute while a man down.

In an opening, 1-1 draw at Portland, the Timbers scored the equalizer on a header by Gaston Fernandez during second-half stoppage time.

"We still can get better, and we feel we should have three shutouts in four games," said center back Amobi Okugo, who has emerged as the defensive leader, especially with the offseason trade of center back Jeff Parke to D.C. United. "All these things we can fix, and we can continue to build on how we have played."

Lessening the loss of Berry has been Aaron Wheeler's play at center back.

"Because Aaron has played so well, it hasn't forced me to have to rush back," Berry said.

The way Wheeler has stepped up has made Hackworth's decision on his back line more difficult.

"That creates the competition we talked about all year, and that is a good problem to have," Hackworth said in his weekly conference call.

Meanwhile, Fabinho and Raymon Gaddis have each started all four games in the back. One of them would presumably be replaced if Williams returned to the lineup.

And while Hackworth likes competition, there is no question that when Williams is ready, he will return to the lineup. He brings an attacking element from the back. Last season Williams had eight assists. He also has the Union's best throw-in.

Williams, who is listed as questionable, said it has been frustrating to watch from the sidelines. Earlier this week, he said he felt pain-free, and now it is a matter of getting into game shape.

He understands the Union's cautious approach to his return.

"When I return, I want it to be for the long haul and not 10 games and then miss five games here," he said. "I want to make sure I'm right."

He has been encouraged by the defensive play in his absence.

"The entire defense has played really well," Williams said. "Wheeler, especially, has done a great job, and Amobi has continued where he left off last year."

Even though the Fire are looking for their first win, they have scored six goals this year. Quincy Amarikwa and Chestnut Hill Academy product Jeff Larentowicz have two goals apiece for the Fire.

Chicago should present a challenge, but scoring against the Union won't be easy, especially since keeper Zac MacMath has faced just nine shots in four games.