It's a beautiful day at PPL Park for the Union's home opener. One wonders what the view of the scenic stadium will be like for Danny Califf.

Califf, the club's captain, will watch the match -- at least the start of it -- from the bench as Union manager Peter Nowak left Califf out of the starting lineup against Colorado.

Carlos Valdes will serve as the Union's captain for the match.

Considering Califf was not included in this week's injury report, the move to rest Califf, who turned 32 yesterday, is a peculiar one. In three seasons with the Union, Califf has missed only three of 77 matches: April 24, 2010 at New York (red card suspension), Oct. 2, 2010 vs. Houston (yellow-card accumulation), and May 6, 2011 at Portland (illness).

Califf was asked if the performance by the Union March 12 in a season-opening loss at Portland would require alterations to the lineup.

“I have no idea about next weekend," Califf said at the time. "I wish I could look into the crystal ball, but I can't."

Here's a look at the rest of the Union's starting XI against the Rapids: GK Zac MacMath / D Chris Albright, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Williams, Porfirio Lopez / MF Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Gabriel Gomez / F Danny Mwanga, Lionard Pajoy.

Amobi Okugo and Freddy Adu are not available due to international duty with the United States U-23 team, which is in camp in advance of an Olympic qualifying tournament.

On the health front, only Chris Albright (groin strain) was listed in the injury report. But that's Wednesday's report. Peter Nowak said this week he expected Albright to be ready for today's match, which explains his place in the starting XI.