After being examined on Thursday for a strained groin, Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon is listed as probable for Saturday’s game at FC Dallas.

Mondragon suffered the injury around the 72d minute of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy, according to Union assistant coach John Hackworth.

Despite the injury, Mondragon played the rest of the game and was cited for his courage by teammates.

Backup Zac MacMath has yet to appear in a game this season. The 19-year-old MacMath was the fifth overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft this season from the University of Maryland.

Short week for both

With Saturday’s game against Dallas in Frisco, Texas, the Union (4-2-2) don’t have much time to recover from the Galaxy matchup.

Then again, Dallas (4-3-2) also played on Wednesday, defeating visiting Toronto FC, 1-0. Obviously, the one difference is that Dallas doesn’t have to travel, while the Union will depart for Texas on Friday.

Dallas is 3-0-1 in its last four games.

David Ferreira (broken right ankle), last year’s MLS MVP, remains out for Dallas.

Amazing crowd

Wednesday’s crowd of 19,178 set a PPL Park record. Even though David Beckham was not on the trip because Galaxy coach Bruce Arena wanted to give him a rest, the Union players fed off the fans’ enthusiasm. The Union are 4-0-1 this season at PPL Park.

“The crowd is definitely the 12th man,” defender Danny Califf said. “I think the crowd is amazing, and there’s time in the game when you need a little bit of extra energy or oomph to make that last 10-yard sprint or to make that last jump or to dive for the ball or something.  And they almost push you or make you do it.  And it is awesome.”

– Marc Narducci