With virtually no elbow room between teams in the East, four games remain for the Union. Though with games in hand over the teams ahead of it in the standings, the Union sits fourth in the East with 40 points, a point behind Kansas City and Columbus and two behind Houston. Nipping at the heels like an annoying Jack Russell terrier are New York (39) and United (38).
Nowak has shuffled his lineup this season more times than a deck of playing cards, which has allowed some players to shine. Arguably the biggest is diminutive playmaker Roger Torres, who has gone from second-half spark to the starting 11 and provided the offensive attack the Union has needed. Torres (who stands 5-3) has started in eight of his 21 appearances and has tallied three goals and an assist.
Though listed as questionable on the injury report, defender Sheanon Williams is scheduled to rejoin the starting lineup, a source told the Daily News. Williams, who suffered a concussion in a win against Columbus on Sept. 17, told fans he was "feeling better" during a live chat on the club's website yesterday. Injuries and inconsistency have been a big concern of Nowak's for much of the season.
"We still have injuries and we are doing all we can to get guys back healthy," Nowak said. "We are trying to have 24 to 25 guys back that are fit and healthy for this [postseason] run."
Conversely, D.C. United has a formidable attack, spearheaded by forward Dwayne DeRosario. DeRosario - who wrapped up player of the week honors this week for the third time this season - has 10 goals and six assists in 12 matches since joining United on June 27.
