Danny Mwanga

It was literally Lionard Pajoy's day in the sun. Against their most bitter rival in the New York Red Bulls and playing a man down, the Union finally got the memo that taking advantage of chances is the only way stay in a match. No player took that to heart more than Pajoy, who scored two goals to lead the Union, but his day did not result in the shorthanded Union acquiring three points for a victory. Instead, the Red Bulls scored a pair of second-half goals - with the Union playing a man down - to take a 3-2 win Sunday at PPL Park in Chester.

Carlos Valdes is a mild-mannered guy. And because he doesn't really trust his grasp of the English language, he doesn't say much, and prefers to be left alone. Generally Valdes' modus operandi after games is to shower, throw on his suit, throw in some extra hair product and duck out before any media members decide to stick a microphone in his face. But after Saturday's disheartening loss to San Jose, Valdes stood pat and gave his two cents regarding the Union's inability to score goals.

Danny Mwanga says he feels no extra pressure, and nobody expected a different response. Still, the Union have acquired German forward Kai Herdling, who is on loan through June 30 with the option to stay the entire season. While Herdling could also be used as an attacking midfielder, the Union are obviously bringing him in to spice up an offense that has scored three goals in five games. At 1-3-1, the Union have plenty of time to right the ship, but how much time does Mwanga have?

GABRIEL GOMEZ scored on a penalty kick in the 38th minute Saturday and the Union beat Columbus, 1-0. After Columbus' Eric Gehrig was whistled for a handball in the 18-yard-box, Gomez chipped Crew goalie Andy Greuenbaum and the Union (1-3-1) held on for their first win this season. Toronto FC (0-4-0) is the only remaining winless club in Major League Soccer. It was the second consecutive shutout for Zac MacMath following a scoreless draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps 2 weeks ago. In addition, the defense extended its shutout streak to 242 minutes.

DANNY MWANGA is trying his utmost to become a chameleon. Adapt, adapt . . . adapt. He conveyed this while speaking with me on Wednesday. He also said - in confidence - he knows his play is not up to the level fans expect. But he's healthy, showing no ill effects from last season's debilitating shoulder and hip injuries. He's happy too, entrusted with being the team's top striker alongside newcomer Lionard Pajoy. But here's the issue. Mwanga, with Pajoy as his third strike partner in as many seasons, has remained the only constant.

The Union will host Barclays English Premier League club Aston Villa in a friendly on July 18 at PPL Park at 7:30 p.m. One of the oldest clubs in England, Aston Villa, located in Birmingham, has won the FA Cup and the old First Division championship seven times each and the League Cup five times. Included on the current roster are American goalkeeper Brad Guzan and midfielder Eric Lichaj and English national team members Emilie Heskey, Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor. The English players and several other members of the squad may be unavailable if they are playing for their national teams in the European championships in June.

PORTLAND, Ore. - In their first road game of 2012 Monday night, the Union took an early lead, but couldn't hold onto it. The Portland Timbers ran roughshod over the Union after Gabriel Gomez's 51st-minute free-kick goal, dealing the Union a 3-1 defeat in their Major League Soccer season opener. Backed by the raucous Timbers Army fan club, Portland controlled the ball early in the game. But the Union's defense - especially outside backs Sheanon Williams and Porfirio Lopez, a new signee - held firm within the narrow confines of Jeld-Wen Field's artificial surface.

PORTLAND, Ore. - In their first road game of 2012 Monday night, the Union took an early lead, but couldn't hold onto it. The Portland Timbers ran roughshod over the Union after Gabriel Gomez's 51st-minute free-kick goal, dealing the Union a 3-1 defeat in their Major League Soccer season opener. Backed by the raucous Timbers Army fan club, Portland controlled the ball early in the game. But the Union's defense - especially outside backs Sheanon Williams and Porfirio Lopez, a new signee - held firm within the narrow confines of Jeld-Wen Field's artificial surface.

PORTLAND, Ore. - In 2011, the Philadelphia Union scored first in just five of 17 regular-season road games. In their 2012 Major League Soccer season opener Monday night, on the road, the Union took an early lead but couldn't hold on to it. The Portland Timbers ran roughshod over the Union after Gabriel Gomez' 51st-minute free-kick goal, dealing the Union a 3-1 defeat. Backed by a raucous sellout crowd of 20,438, Portland controlled most of the possession in a scoreless first half.