Union hopes to keep streak alive

Jul 03, 2010

By: The Times Herald

By CHRISTOPHER A. VITO
Journal Register News Service

As first impressions go, Danny Califf’s initial go-round with the Union was an awkward one.

He was brought aboard Major League Soccer’s expansion club six months ago because team manager Peter Nowak saw something in him. When meeting people for the first time, however, it’s less about what people see in Califf … and more of what they see on him.

A Mohawk haircut that calls for attention from across the pitch. A colorful smattering of tattoos that nearly form a full sleeve.

“Trust me — I get strange looks everywhere I go,” Califf said this week, as the Union prepared for today’s match with Chivas USA.

“It’s one of those things you learn to deal with. But with the guys in this locker room, there’s no judgment. We all get along. We all have each others’ backs. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Califf and the Union (3-7-1, 10 points) go for the franchise’s first winning streak, against Chivas USA (3-9-1, 10 points), in a meeting of last-place clubs. The match, which kicks off at the Home Depot Center at 10:30 p.m., will be televised on FOX Soccer. Their last time out, the Union beat Seattle in the PPL Park opener.

“We’re hungry,” said Califf, the team’s starting centerback. “In this league and with this team, there’s a chance to win every week. We have to approach this week that same way.”

Califf provides what the Union lack. He is a veteran in a green lineup scattered with inexperience. He’s one of the Union’s oldest players, at 30 years old, which had to factor into Nowak’s decision to name Califf the club’s captain at season’s outset.

It’s a decision Nowak has not regretted.

Aside from providing a strong line of defense in front of goalkeeper Chris Seitz, who’s immersed in his first season as a full-time starter, Califf has demonstrated the brand of stout play, vocal leadership and physical dominance that is demanded of a captain.

He can take over a game with more than his left or right foot. Having played with some of this nation’s finest players while with Los Angeles Galaxy helped ready Califf for the role.

“I was with Cobi Jones, Alexi Lalas and Kevin Hartman out there,” Califf said. “Being a captain, it’s not a rah-rah job. You try to take all of those lessons to heart. You have to say things, without calling someone out, that you think the team needs to hear.

“And, on the other side, you’re the voice of your teammates in team meetings. You speak for them. You represent them, so you have to lead by example.”

On the outside, Califf doesn’t look like he would play the part. Speak with Califf for five minutes and it becomes readily apparent why he wears the captain’s armband on his bicep.

His role took on more importance this week, when the Union — with no need for depth in the backfield — traded MLS veteran Shavar Thomas for draft picks and allocation money to Kansas City. The Union’s roster, in addition to Califf, features only three other defenders.

“This team bends, but we don’t break,” Califf said.

It’s a trait that Califf hopes carries into today’s match with Chivas USA.

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