Union at FC Dallas
3 p.m. on The Comcast Network
With a new front office look and revamped roster, the revitalized Union kick off the 2016 season Sunday (3 p.m., TCN), when they head to Toyota Stadium to take on Fabian Castillo and dynamic FC Dallas.
Here are five things to know:
1. Tough start for Union
There's a special type of excitement that comes alongside a season-opening match. But if the Union aren't careful, that excitement could end in a hurry against the 2015 Supporters' Shield runner-up, FC Dallas.
"We know we have a tough opponent in FC Dallas, a very well-coached team under Oscar Pareja," Union manager Jim Curtin said. "They're a team that has a lot of dynamic, fast players. We look forward to the challenge."
That challenge starts with an FC Dallas team that wasn't just good last season, but one of the league's best teams, especially at home. The club went a Western Conference-best 18-10-6 and stunning 13-2-2 at Toyota Stadium, where the Union visit Sunday.
"It's a hostile environment," Curtin said. "They have a good fan base and they have a good team. We know we have a tough task. We have to go in there with the mindset of executing."
Yet, while taking three points from FC Dallas on Sunday will be a tall task, it could be worse. The weather Sunday is expected to be 76 degrees, whereas it can average nearly 90 degrees in August at Toyota Stadium. That break, mixed with the Union's opening day enthusiasm, has the club feeling opportunistic.
"Historically, the games in Dallas have a high heat and humidity factor and I don't think that's the case this time around," Union forward C.J. Sapong said. "I think this opening game, the build up, anticipation, preparation and good feelings we all have, it's going to set it far and away from any other contest. We're prepared and it'll be a very exciting game. The guys are ready."
2. No Edu, Barnetta
If taking on one of the league's best clubs didn't put the Union at a disadvantage, playing without two of their best players might. The Union are expected to be without captain Maurice Edu and offensive catalyst Tranquillo Barnetta, both of whom are doubtful for Sunday.
"They're two leaders in our group," Curtin said. "They want to be on the field and we want them on the field, but the reality is we have to prepare for a very good FC Dallas team, a top team in our league and MLS Cup contender, possibly without two of our top guys."
Edu, who went through groin surgery in the offseason, is suffering with what the team called a "stress reaction" on his ankle.
"He aggressively approached his rehab," Curtin said. "In hindsight, maybe too aggressively. It's not a broken bone or anything like that, it's just a warning sign that there's potential danger. It's the next-man-up mentality, and we'll have to have someone step in and perform."
For Barnetta, it's an old battle wound. The center attacking midfielder has tendonitis and soreness in his knee. If it were a playoff game, he would play, but Curtin isn't rushing the veteran.
"We'll monitor that and be smart," Curtin said. "He's a very important player and a top player in our group. At the same time, we want to be smart in how we handle injuries."
Curtin wouldn't budge on who would replace the duo, however, his preseason lineups may give hints. For Edu, who is playing defensive midfielder rather than center back this season, Vincent Nogueira seems to be the go-to replacement option. The Frenchman, who typically plays a more box-to-box style, sat in a more defensive role all preseason. Meanwhile, newcomer Roland Alberg is expected to take up for Barnetta, with Leo Fernandes helping out in that position.
3. Next step for FC Dallas
It's a season of unfinished business for FC Dallas. Finishing with the second-best record in MLS, the club made it to the Western Conference final where it lost to the eventual MLS Cup-winning Portland Timbers.
"Part of our mentality is that we believe every day we can do things better," Pareja said. "We already achieved things in the last two years, but we have challenges that need to be resolved. We have the mentality we want to win trophies and be the best team in MLS soccer. We're taking the base of what we did last year as a starting point but we need to keep working."
FC Dallas, which features stars Fabian Castillo, Mauro Diaz and newcomers Carlos Gruezo and Max Urruti, are looking to take a big step from great team to champions.
But as Pareja points out, that might take time.
"It's important for our players to understand that the unit and team is first," the coach said. "We're pleased to have new players here and they have understood that transition and gelled very quick. But we need repetition. We need games to prove that the team has been improved. It'll take a little time."
4. Keep an eye on …
Union: When it comes to scoring this season, it's Sapong or bust. The forward recently signed an extension after potting nine goals in 27 games last season, and is expected to reach upwards of 15 goals this year with the help of players like Alberg, Barnetta, Ilsinho and Fernandes feeding him. On Sunday, we'll see if Sapong and the playmakers have the chemistry needed for the Union offense to flourish.
FC Dallas: There are two players to focus on when you watch FC Dallas - Diaz and Castillo. Diaz landed second on the team in goals with eight last season and first in assists with 10, while Castillo was first in goals with nine and second in assists with nine. In other words, they're good.
"Hope they don't get on the ball, hope they don't play in the game," Curtin joked when asked about how to stop the duo. "Those guys are incredibly talented. We'll have to prepare for them."
5. This and that
• Five of the Union's seven season openers have been on the road and they haven't been successful. The Union are 1-3-2 all time in openers and 1-1-2 in road games to start the season.
• With new sporting director Earnie Stewart building a new-look Union, the club is aiming for a fresh identity led by an unrelenting work rate. "We want to bring the Philly mindset," Sapong said. "Rough nose."
• Things haven't gone well for the Union against FC Dallas. They are 0-4-4 all time in MLS play against their Texas competition and 0-3-1 as visitors.
