On Wednesday, the Union hosts German power Schalke 04 in an exhibition match at PPL Park (7:30 p.m.) before a Mother's Day showdown with rival Red Bull New York on Sunday (12:30 p.m., ESPN2).
However, there is no panic just yet, according to Union assistant John Hackworth.
"It's still very early here, so no need to hit the panic button at all," said Hackworth, again filling in for Union boss Peter Nowak, who was serving a two-match ban for an April 21 fracas against Chivas USA. "We have a lot of young guys in our locker room, a lot of new guys in our locker room; we just need to give ourselves time and come out next week against New York. That will be huge for us."
Mauro Rosales scored for Seattle (6-1-1, 19 points) in the 63rd minute, overshadowing what actually was a solid day for Union keeper Zac MacMath. MacMath had five saves on six shots, and the goal came due to a defensive lapse - as the defense shifted to double Seattle striker Fredy Montero, allowing Montero to slot the ball to a wide-open Rosales for his first goal of the season.
"We're a little disappointed, it's the second week in a row we lose the game by a goal against two of the best teams in the league," Hackworth said. "We know we can play better, we know we have to fix this problem we have of being more dangerous and opening teams up a little more, creating some chances and taking some, too. We'll just have to continue to work on that. I think we all believe that we are a good team, we've put our back against the wall and we have to play out of it."
Contact Kerith Gabriel at gabrielk@phillynews.com
