Philadelphia Union packed the buses and headed back home with one point in tow after securing a come-from-behind draw on the road against D.C. United. After the rainy match, which ended 2-2, Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke to the media, recapping the hard-fought result.
McGlynn Magic
Team captain Alejandro Bedoya helped energize the Union with a 42nd minute goal to cut the deficit to one, but in the second half, the magic came from Homegrown Jack McGlynn, who scored a stunning golazo from distance to knot the game at 2s.
"We’ve encouraged Jack, because of his technique being so good, to shoot more, shoot more, shoot more,” Curtin said.
“Sometimes in his backswing, you can see him change his mind and try and slip a through ball or play a nice pass out to Kai, but sometimes the best thing is to shoot. To score a goal a year outside the box is hard in this league, and he's got two in back to back game that were really, really good strikes," Curtin said.
The stunning goal was his second in two games, both coming in in game-changing moments that have swung the momentum of play in the Union's favor.
"You don't want to say Goal of the Year yet because you don't know what's going to happen over the next several months, but for my money, you can't score a much better one and in a better moment," Curtin said.
"It's a goal that gets you a point on the road when you really need one."
Flach's return
Leon Flach was in the starting XI for the first time in 2024, and although he was subbed out in the 66th minute, Curtin took time in his postgame press conference to express how pleased he was to have him back in the mix.
"He mentioned to me this week, for the first time, he has no pain with anything, which is a real testament to him," Curtin said.
"Being injured is really lonely. It's a real difficult feeling. You're on the team, but you don't really feel part of it. So to get his first minutes tonight, in a big spot and play 65 and not even look tired when he came out is impressive."
'Going to be a grind'
With the result, Philadelphia sits in eighth in the East, and even though they weren't able to return to Chester with three points added to the total, Curtin expressed his belief in his squad and their ability to succeed as the season progresses.
"I'll still take this group over anyone. I still pick my guys, and told them at halftime I think we're better in every position, and I believe that until we're completely proven otherwise," Curtin said.
"Do I wish we had a couple more wins on the board? Absolutely. But at the same time, it's going to be a grind. You guys know how hard the league is, and I still believe strongly that this team can win."
