For Union, quick fix not needed

BY KERITH GABRIEL, gabrielk@phillynews.com
Posted: January 12, 2012

KANSAS CITY - The pressure to get an impact player is off, but the desire to bring in the perfect player remains.

Union assistant John Hackworth offered as much last night during a media teleconference from the team's hotel, a stone's throw from the Kansas City Convention Center, site of today's MLS SuperDraft.

As of late last night, the Union still held the 13th, 32nd and 35th picks.

With a crowded pool of midfielders, given the Union's offseason acquisitions, the team appears likely to go after a player to strengthen its back line or beef up its attack. But according to Hackworth, unlike years past, when the team tried to bring in potential game-changers, the club can focus in the upcoming season on developing its draftees long-term.

"I think the work is exactly the same, but I think [the offseason acquisitions] take away the importance of bringing in a player we feel has to come in an make an impact right away," Hackworth said. "We are honestly looking for that all-around player."

An all-around player could come in the form of a couple of Generation adidas prospects. Among the names floated has been English forward Dom Dwyer, out of the University of South Florida. Hackworth was a head coach there and undoubtedly has inside knowledge of Dwyer's potential.

Also, Lucky Mkosana, of Dartmouth, has been mentioned. Mkosana is thought to be a good fit, given his abilities as a target forward and his surprising strength while on the ball, even at 170 pounds.

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