The Philadelphia Union look to build on their playoff season of a year again when the kickoff the 2012 MLS season tonight in Portland.
The Union have plenty of question marks as they take on the Timber but here are just three that will likely be answered early on during the MLS campaign.
1. Who will score now that Sebastien Le Toux is gone?
The Union raised a few eyebrows when they suddenly dealt the popular striker to Vancouver during the offseason. The move seemed strange considering Le Toux led the Union in all major offensive categories including goals (11), assists (9) and shots on goal (30).
With the Frenchman gone, the Union will lean heavily on former No. 1 pick Danny Mwanga to pick up the scoring. The 20-year-old shot more last season (20) than in his rookie campaign, but managed two fewer goals (5 in 2011). Mwanga must become a scoring threat or the Union could be seeing their share or 1-0 defeats.
2. Who’s in Goal?
With Faryd Mondragon gone the Union will rely heavily on Zac MacMuth in net. Last season the 20-year-old goalie posted an impressive 3-0-4 record in seven starts. He will need to be sharp again this season and bring a bit of that winning touch considering the Union -- despite a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference -- won only 11 of 24 MLS games last season.
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“We believe in Zac,” Union coach Peter Nowak told CSNPhilly. “It’s a tough position because people make mistakes but it’s about how fast you learn from those mistakes. I think Zac proved to all of us that he’s capable of doing good things. He’s No. 1 and that’s not going to change.”
3. Much “Adu” About Leading?
The Union are turning towards a well-known name who has never quite lived up to the hype to lead on the pitch and off. Freddy Adu is ready to take a leadership role with the Union.
Nowak is impressed with what he’s seen from the former teen phenom -- now 22-year-old.
“I’ve been very impressed with everything he did over the last three months,” Nowak told the Union’s website. “What he did, how he approached training, how he approached fitness -- I can’t say one bad word about Freddy’s contribution to this team. It’s a big year for him. I think he knows that, and I think he’s mentally and physically prepared for the season.”
But is he prepared to lead? Time will tell.
And in cause you are looking for some players to keep an eye on this season look no further than the Farfan brothers Michael and Gabriel. Both could play a huge role for the 2012 Union.
The Union home opener is Sunday at 4 p.m. at PPL Park in Chester and will be broadcast on NBC Sports.
