During last year's disappointing 10-17-7 season, the Union allowed 55 goals and had a minus-13 goal differential. A defensive improvement was the top offseason priority.
That is why it seemed curious that one of the team's biggest changes will be moving arguably its top defender last year to midfield.
Coach Jim Curtin has moved Maurice Edu, a defensive quarterback, from center back and returned him to the midfield.
Even without Edu in the back line, Curtin is confident that this unit will be improved. What he is banking on is players from last year being better, especially when pushed by a group of impressive young defenders.