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Union midfielder McInerney pleased with first home start

For Jack McInerney, the second-year Union midfielder-forward, Wednesday's game against Sporting Kansas City at PPL Park in Chester had special significance.

Real Salt Lake's Jamison Olave and Union midfielder Jack McInerney battle for the ball. (Michael Perez/AP)
Real Salt Lake's Jamison Olave and Union midfielder Jack McInerney battle for the ball. (Michael Perez/AP)Read more

For Jack McInerney, the second-year Union midfielder-forward, Wednesday's game against Sporting Kansas City at PPL Park in Chester had special significance.

McInerney, who will turn 19 in August, made his first home start and just the third start of his two-year career in Wednesday's scoreless draw.

McInerney, who was replaced by Keon Daniel in the 59th minute, brought great energy.

"I was excited, especially since this was my first home start," McInerney said. "I had a couple of chances."

None better than one in the 27th minute, when a shot from just inside the box was stopped on a kick save by acrobatic Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.

McInerney said that he knew for sure he was starting the day of the game and that it wasn't a surprise.

"I kind of figured it out when I was training with the first team [Tuesday]," he said.

And he hopes there will be more starts in store.

"I thought I had a good run," he said.

Okugo back. Midfielder Amobi Okugo, out of the lineup since suffering a high-ankle sprain in a 2-1 home win May 21 against Chicago, returned to action for the Union by entering the game against Sporting in the 65th minute. He replaced newcomer Veljiko Paunovic, who was starting his second game with the Union.

"There was a little rust and too much excitement," Okugo said. "My teammates helped me settle down."

No Moreno. Alejandro Moreno, among the most popular players in his one season with the Union, won't accompany his Chivas USA team for Saturday's 8 p.m. game against the Union at PPL Park.

A Chivas team official said that Moreno remains away with Venezuela's national team as it prepares for the 2011 Copa America, which will begin July 1 in Argentina.

Real Madrid roster. Real Madrid unveiled its 25-man travel roster for the upcoming 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge.

The roster includes striker Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), midfielders Xabi Alonso (Spain) and Kaká (Brazil), defender Sergio Ramos (Spain), and goalkeeper Iker Casillas (Spain).

Real Madrid is set to face the Union on July 23 at Lincoln Financial Field.