The Union’s last practice before Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Chicago Fire at Talen Energy Stadium ended differently than most practices do.
One by one, each player stepped up to the little white spot 12 yards from the goal line to practice penalty kicks. It’s one of soccer’s most famous traditions, and it returns to the spotlight any time a knockout-style tournament takes center stage.
“You want to avoid them at all costs,” Union manager Jim Curtin said. “I’d prefer not to go into penalty kicks and take care of business in 90 minutes, knowing that we have New England on the weekend.