Union tweaks its preseason roster

THE UNION opened preseason in Orlando yesterday with a pair of expected arrivals - and early departures.

Keon Daniel, the midfielder who failed to return after he left to play an international friendly in his native Trinidad and Tobago in August, rejoined the team. In 18 appearances last season, Daniel, 25, had a goal and a pair of assists.

Also returning from a weeklong training stint with English Premier League side Aston Villa was forward Danny Mwanga. Mwanga, 20, the seventh player to venture overseas this offseason, took part in intensified training, presumably to prepare for his increased role given the loss of Union top scorer Sebastien Le Toux, now with Vancouver.

The Union also released supplemental draft picks Tom Brandt (Penn) and Brandon Zimmerman (Santa Clara). Princeton midfielder Antoine Hoppenot, the Union's third supplemental selection, was retained.

During its 10-day Florida excursion, the Union will scrimmage Florida Gulf Coast University (Saturday), Central Florida (Feb. 15) and play against USL-1 champions Orlando City at the Citrus Bowl on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. before heading for its third phase of preseason in Costa Rica. The regular season opens March 12 in Portland.

- Kerith Gabriel