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FC Dallas-Union Preview

May 14, 2010 - 5:48 PM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

FC Dallas (2-1-4) at Philadelphia (1-5-0), 4:00 p.m. EDT

After failing to earn a win through the first five weeks of the season, FC Dallas has turned things around thanks to goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union are still struggling, but they're hoping to take advantage of a rare home game.

Hartman looks to lead Dallas to its third win in a row Saturday when it visits a Union team trying to avoid losing its fifth straight.

Dallas (2-1-4) acquired Hartman from Kansas City in the offseason, but the 14-year veteran lost out to incumbent starter Dario Sala for the No. 1 goalie job before the start of the year. Hartman made his Dallas debut on April 10, stopping two shots in a 2-all tie against Columbus before heading back to the bench for the club's next three games.

Hartman was given another opportunity May 5 against rival Houston, and he stopped three shots in a 1-0 win, Dallas' first of the season. He was back in net last Saturday against D.C. United, and came up with another stellar performance. He made four saves - including two in an 11-second span on shots from within the penalty box - in another 1-0 win.

"Obviously, coming off two 1-0 victories, it feels good for everyone," Hartman told Dallas' official website. "It shows that we're able to defend over 90 minutes and really manage a game.

"Personally, it's been great to get out there and have an opportunity to kind of prove myself. My biggest thing is just making sure that I'm providing a backbone for the guys in front of me that they're confident in."

With Hartman providing stability in goal, dynamic forward Jeff Cunningham is starting to come around on the other end.

Cunningham, who missed the Houston game due to a sore left knee, scored on a shot from 10 yards out in the 68th minute against D.C. It was his fourth goal of the season, but his first not on a penalty shot.

"I'm just happy the monkey's off my back," said Cunningham, who led MLS with 17 goals last season. "Hopefully that will bring confidence to myself and the rest of the boys from here on out to continue to get results."

While Hartman, Cunningham and Dallas are gaining confidence, the expansion Union are sputtering.

Philadelphia (1-5-0) has been outscored 10-3 during a four-game road losing streak. The Union are playing eight of their first 10 games on the road while they await the completion of their new stadium in suburban Chester, Pa.

Philadelphia's lone win came in the home opener, a 3-2 victory over D.C. on April 10. This will be the club's first game at Lincoln Financial Field since.

"It's important for any team to have a good record at home," forward Alejandro Moreno told the Union's official website. "Certainly the way we've started the season, we've put a little bit of pressure on ourselves to try and get those results at home. We're looking forward to this opportunity and it's another chance for us to play in front of our fans."

The Union's next home game will be June 27, the first match at Union Field.