Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Union could be without Paunovic for playoff opener

Veteran Union forward Veljko Paunovic continues to be hampered by a right hamstring strain and is questionable for Sunday's playoff game against Houston at PPL Park.

“Veljko is training with us, but it’s not in full capacity,” manager Peter Nowak said Wednesday. “It’s tough to say [whether he will be available]. Those kinds of injuries, you never know how it’s going play out. I don’t think it was anything major or that you would say that he’ll be out the whole series. I’m not a doctor; I’m trying to find out what’s going to be the best recipe for [his return].”

The 34-year-old Paunovic, who missed the regular season finale against the New York Red Bulls with the injury, joined the Union on June 13 and went on to score three goals with three assists while starting 16 of the 17 matches he played.

“He was an integral part of this,” Nowak said. “He’s an experienced guy. It’s always good motivation for the young kids. He’s with us in the locker room so I’m sure they’re going to get good advice from him.”

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