Who: Union (7-12-2, 23 points) at
D.C. United (11-8-3, 36 points)
When: Sunday, 5 p.m.
Where: RFK Stadium, Washington.
TV/radio: NBC Sports Network; WIP-AM (610).
Coaches: Union, John Hackworth (5-5); United: Ben Olsen (23-29-16).
Union on the road: (2-7-1); United at home: (8-1-2)
Last meeting: The Union beat United, 2-1, in extra time in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal game at the Maryland SoccerPlex on June 5. In their one MLS meeting this season, United beat the Union, 1-0, at PPL Park on June 16 - Hackworth's first game as interim team manager after he replaced Peter Nowak.
Most recent games: The Union lost a 3-1 decision to the visiting Chicago Fire on Aug. 12. . . . United suffered a 2-1 loss at Sporting Kansas City, Aug. 11.
Goals for: Union 23; United 36; Goals against: Union 27; United 29.
About United: MLS all-star Dwayne De Rosario (five goals, 10 assists this year; 98 career MLS goals) missed last week's game with a sore shoulder, but he is listed as probable for this week. For what it's worth, Sunday will be Dwayne De Rosario bobblehead night. . . . Hamdi Salhi, who has scored five goals, is listed as out with a viral infection. Defender Daniel Woolard, who has started 20 games, is listed out with concussion-like symptoms. . . . Chris Pontius, who scored the game winner against the Union on June 16, has 10 goals and one assist.
About the Union: If the Union are going to make a playoff run, they likely have to get at least a point out of this game. The Union own a game in hand on United, but after Sunday will have 12 remaining games. . . . Hackworth said that defender Carlos Valdes and midfielder Gabriel Gomez, who missed last week due to international team duty, will be available. In addition, forward Jack McInerney will return after missing last week following a red card the previous game. . . . but is listed as probable for this week. . . . The Union are looking to snap a two-game losing streak, having also dropped a 2-0 decision at Montreal prior to the Fire defeat. - Marc Narducci
