Union's Edu excited to play near his L.A. home

Union defender Maurice Edu is looking forward to a rare trip home while playing in a difficult road environment.

Edu, who has been the Union's best player this season, will lead his team in Saturday's 10:30 p.m. Major League Soccer match against the defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy (5-5-7) at the StubHub Center.

The Union (4-9-3) will be shorthanded, missing key offensive players Sebastien Le Toux (Grade 2 MCL sprain) and forward Fernando Aristeguieta (ankle), so that will put even more pressure on Edu and the defense.

Still, he relishes the challenge, especially since he grew up in Fontana, about 45 minutes east of Los Angeles.

"I always look forward to this game and it is one of the ones I mark on my calendar when we get the schedule," Edu said. "It's a chance for friends and family to come see me play live, which doesn't happen too often."

The Galaxy have been MLS champions three of the previous four seasons, but have struggled, although they have benefited from the return of standout forward Robbie Keane, who missed seven weeks due to a groin injury.

Even without the retired Landon Donovan, the Galaxy have a mystique about them.

"They are a good team that has won numerous championships for a reason and the club is run properly," Edu said. "Whether they have injuries or guys on international duty, they always find ways to pick up results and put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs and make a good run from there."

The Union had to play 120 minutes in Tuesday's Open Cup win over the visiting Rochester Rhinos of the United Soccer League. The game went to penalty kicks after neither team scored and the Union won that segment, 3-1.

So there will be some tired legs in Los Angeles, but Edu will be playing on adrenaline.

"We know this will be a tough game," he said. "But it is exciting to play there and I will be up for it."

Notes. The time of the Union's U.S. Open Cup game at PPL Park against D.C. United on June 30 has been changed to 7 p.m. It was originally 7:30. . . . Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey will miss the June 24 game at PPL Park against the Union after earning a three-game suspension and undisclosed fine for his conduct toward a match official during Tuesday's 3-1 extra time loss in the U.S. Open Cup against the Portland Timbers.

@sjnard