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Union's Tribbett looking for vindication against Toronto

The last time Union defender Ken Tribbett faced Toronto FC, he was pulled at halftime during a 3-1 loss on Aug. 20.

The last time Union defender Ken Tribbett faced Toronto FC, he was pulled at halftime during a 3-1 loss on Aug. 20.

Even though Tribbett scored in that game, he was instrumental in allowing Toronto to score three first-half goals.

Now the Union (11-11-8, 41 points) visit Toronto on Saturday, and Tribbett will return to the lineup at center back. He will replace Josh Yaro, who is out for the game after receiving a red card (for two yellow cards) cards in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Portland.

"It's a game we know we will get a great performance from Ken bouncing back," Union coach Jim Curtin said at Wednesday's press conference.

Tribbett, a graduate of Drexel, is looking to make the most of his chance.

"Obviously it wasn't my best performance," he said. "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play well against them."

Toronto (13-8-8, 47 points) leads the Eastern Conference, while the Union are in fourth place. The top six will make the playoffs. The Union hold a 7-point lead over D.C. United and Orlando, the teams right below sixth place. Both have 34 points but one game in hand on the Union.

Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta didn't practice on Wednesday for the Union with swelling in his knee. At this point, Curtin said he expects Barnetta to play against Toronto.

Curtin is also considering bringing designate player Maurice Edu to Toronto, although he didn't sound optimistic about playing him. Edu has missed the entire season with a stress fracture in his left leg.

"The data shows he doesn't quite cover the ground we like him to just yet," Curtin said of Edu.

In addition, midfielder Ilsinho, who played 23 minutes on Saturday, continues to be bothered by a foot injury. Since the last game against Toronto, Ilsinho has missed two full games and played no more than 23 minutes in any of the other three.

Curtin said Ilsinho is not at the stage where he is able to play a full game.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard