Union looking for success on the road
The Union last won a road game on March 12, just two games into the 2016 season. As they head out for two road games this week - first a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday against the New England Revolution - they aim to snap that streak of falling short away from home.
The Union last won a road game on March 12, just two games into the 2016 season. As they head out for two road games this week - first a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday against the New England Revolution - they aim to snap that streak of falling short away from home.
In talks with his team this week, coach Jim Curtin set a goal: win at least three of the nine remaining road games.
How will the Union pull that off?
Curtin said much will depend on pregame mind-set.
"Knowing what it takes for 90 minutes," Curtin said. "To know that you're not going to get calls, to know the crowd is going to be hostile, balancing all those things and coming out with wins."
That balancing act starts with the Revolution, a team seven points behind the Union in the Eastern Conference and a squad struggling on defense. New England's 33 goals allowed are tied for second worst in MLS. It does have threats on offense with strong midfielders Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe as well as forward Kei Kamara, who has scored four goals in his last five games.
But the Union's confidence is high after months of intense conditioning that includes running twice a day. Their fitness has shown on the pitch. On Sunday, they came back in the second half to tie the New York Red Bulls after allowing two goals.
"It is a tribute to the mentality of the group," Union defender Keegan Rosenberry said. "That is why we push ourselves so hard at the beginning of the year."
Curtin said his players walk into Talen Energy Stadium feeling they can win every game. It won't be easy to carry that feeling to Boston.
New England has lost only two games at home this season. But while the Revolution are technically the home team Wednesday, the game will be played at Harvard University's Jordan Field, not the team's usual home of Gillette Stadium, which is hosting a concert.
"Unfortunately, we're not as used to the field," Revolution coach Jay Heaps said this week, "so there is a disadvantage to a certain degree."
"We are going to go after it and try to win a game at Harvard," Curtin said. "It is a little bit of a neutralizer."
The winner will advance to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Aug. 10.
Front-office additions
The Union's front office is getting three new members. The team on Wednesday announced the hiring of Jean-Paul Dardenne as senior vice president of corporate partnerships, Doug Vosik as vice president of marketing, and Charlie Slonaker as vice president of tickets sales and fan services.
Three staff members were promoted as well. Dave Debusschere goes to executive vice president and chief operating officer, Dennis Carroll to senior vice president of finance, and Craig Amhaus to vice president of corporate partnerships.
@ErinMcPSU