Union hope to snap a three-game skid

The Union will look to break a three-game losing streak on Saturday with a home match against conference rival D.C. United.

The game will be the third time the two teams face each other this year, with the Union taking a loss and a victory in two road trips to D.C.

For the Union, this weekend is an opportunity to snap out of an offensive slump. They started the season with a dominant offensive presence, with four straight victories to open the season, including a 4-0 win over D.C. United.

The team slowed, however, in recent weeks, suffering three straight losses. Two of those setbacks came on the road. The Union have scored only one goal since a 2-1 victory over Colorado in May.

D.C. United broke a similar streak this week, knocking off Atlanta United on Wednesday after going three games without a win. After Atlanta took an early lead, Luciano Acosta tied the score with a goal in the 23rd minute, his fourth of the season. Patrick Nyarko followed in the second half with a game-winning goal in the 60th minute to give D.C. their first victory in June.

The Union will be without defender Derrick Jones this weekend due to suspension. Jones received a straight red card in Sunday's game against the Red Bulls after he slid with his cleats up into a tackle. The penalty resulted in an automatic one-game suspension.

Back on the field, however, will be midfielder Alejandro Bedoya, who did not play against the Red Bulls. Bedoya was placed on injured reserves after tweaking a hamstring in the U.S. national team World Cup qualifiers, but was cleared to return prior to the rematch against D.C. United.

Saturday's game will have added weight for Chris Pontius, who spent the first seven years of his MLS career playing for D.C. United. Since moving to Philadelphia, Pontius has recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for the Union. He leads the team with six assists on the season, a number that ties the program's career high for assists in a single season.

With another round of the Open Cup looming, Saturday's game could provide a chance for the Union to balance out a season that's run hot and cold.