The Colorado Rapids' suitcases weren't the only type of baggage on the plane to Philadelphia. They're also carrying a pair of franchise-record winless streaks.
The Rapids attempt to snap them both by winning on the road for the first time in almost a year Saturday against the Union in the season opener for both teams.
Colorado went 8-18-8 and missed the playoffs by 18 points last season. The Rapids finished the year by scoring nine goals during an 0-12-2 stretch following a win over now-defunct Chivas USA on July 25.
They weren't any better on the road, posting the same record since leaving Toronto with a 1-0 victory April 12.
"I think last year I was reliant on too many young players with very little experience to come in and make a difference," second-year coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "This year we've brought in a wealth of players that have competed in the league for titles, guys that have led by example, that have great resumes, and most importantly just have great character."
Perhaps the most important addition is Marcelo Sarvas, who was acquired from Los Angeles in January.
Sarvas, who won two MLS Cups in three years with the Galaxy, will be the anchor of the midfield and is coming off a career-high 11 assists in 2014.
He'll be trying to link up with playmaking forward Gabriel Torres, who had three goals and one assist in 23 games - 11 starts - in his first full season with Colorado.
"We need Gaby to defend the right way, to be dynamic with his movements off the ball, to be dynamic when he has the ball and like any good forward, get on the score sheet," Mastroeni said.
Torres certainly did his part at PPL Park on July 12. He assisted on Deshorn Brown's score in the 86th minute as the Rapids overcame a two-goal deficit to tie the Union 3-all and improve to 2-0-2 in four visits to Philadelphia.
Like the Rapids, the Union enter 2015 after missing the playoffs. They finished last season with a 1-3-3 stretch and their 10-12-12 record landed them sixth in the Eastern Conference, seven points back of the final playoff spot.
"I understand some of the frustrations with things and some of the personnel moves that have gone on in the past," said Jim Curtin, who enters his first full season as coach. "But we're trying to get it right. It will take a little bit of time, but I think you're slowly starting to see a roster form that we can be proud of."
Curtin will rely on Fernando Aristeguieta at forward after signing him on loan from Nantes. He had two goals in 27 games - six starts - over the past two seasons in France, but his size and strength make him an ideal target.
"He's a big, strong kid ... heading the ball in the box, he's as good as I've seen," Curtin said. "We're going to be dangerous on set pieces."
Sebastian Le Toux led the Union with 12 goals last season after totaling eight over the previous three. The forward has one goal in 10 meetings with Colorado.
