Edu plans to be ready to play for Union on Sunday

Since he is a player who performs with such grace in a smooth, skillful manner, Union defender Maurice Edu's toughness is often overlooked.

It was on display during a 1-1 draw with New York City FC on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. He earned praise for his role in C.J Sapong's tying goal in the 86th minute.

Edu got behind defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe to head a long ball from Cristian Maidana right to Sapong, who deposited the ball into the net from near the 6-yard line.

While that was a game-changing play, the fact that Edu was on the field at all was even more impressive. He was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-1 win over NYCFC at PPL Park on April 11.

Around-the-clock treatment enabled Edu to man his center back spot, guiding the defense and, as it turned out, making the game-changing offensive play.

"It was difficult, but everyone wants to play, and I am no different," Edu said. "You do what you have to do to prepare yourself as much as possible for the game, and that is what I did."

There was no sign of the injury in his play.

"He was a man tonight, a man amongst boys, to be honest," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "He dominated as a center back."

Now the question is whether Edu can come back on short rest. The Union (1-3-3) host the New England Revolution (2-2-2) at 5 p.m. Sunday at PPL Park.

Edu, who has played every minute this season, doesn't sound as if he is looking to get a break.

He said he will continue his around-the-clock treatment.

"Come Sunday, I hope to go again," he said.

Edu began the season in the midfield, but he moved to the back the last three games.

Based on his showing, especially Thursday, it appears that Edu will stay a defender.

"He had a phenomenal game," Curtin said. "He wins all of his one-v.-one battles, is as fast as anybody on the field, and it was really a solid performance for him."

Who: New England Revolution (2-2-2)

at Union (1-3-3).

When/where: Sunday at 5 p.m.; PPL Park.

TV: ESPN2.

Revolution on the road: 1-2.

Union at home: 1-1-1.

Goals for: Revolution, 4; Union, 8.

Goals against: Revolution, 6; Union, 11

Last game: New England played Columbus to a scoreless draw at home on April 11. The Union played New York City FC to a 1-1 draw Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

Outlook: This is the Union's third game in nine days. . . . C.J. Sapong's goal in the 86th minute salvaged Thursday's 1-1 draw with NYCFC. . . . Keeper John McCarthy has allowed two goals in his two starts for the Union, both vs. NYCFC. . . . After missing one game with a left quad injury, forward Fernando Aristeguieta started and played 58 minutes on Thursday for the Union. He leads the team with three goals. . . . Revolution midfielder-forward Juan Agudelo scored the second goal for the U.S. national team during a 2-0 win over Mexico in a friendly Wednesday in San Antonio.

- Marc Narducci
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