After an record-breaking performance 7-0 win against DC United in front of their home fans, it’s time for Philadelphia Union to go on the road again. On Wednesday, the Union will travel to Florida to face Inter Miami. Ahead of the match Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin spoke with the media about the midweek game. These are our Founders Brewing Co. Pressing Points.
Follow up in Miami
“It doesn’t mean anything unless we follow up with a strong performance against Miami” said Curtin on Monday. “[Miami] play the right way, they play very organized. They gave us a handfull in our own building so we know it will be a difficult task there."
"Obviously the addition of [Alejandro] Pozuelo - not sure where he factors in quite yet but a difference-maker, a great player - that only makes them that much better.” he continued.
While Miami may introduce a new playmaker, Philly will miss the reigning MLS Player of the Week. “Julian has had a great season so far. I’d argue even the games that he has missed, the stats could be even better," Curtin argued. "He has done a great job for us. He is in good form but, as of right now, he is still not available for this game.” he concluded.
With three games in eight days, lineup rotation is likely at some point, so Curtin is considering how to set up in Miami. “We are coming off of a 7-0 win and the guys are confident," he admitted. "So I am not gonna change seven guys... the data shows that it doesn’t lead to success in our league.”
Without a slew of changes in the starting lineup for Wednesday night's match, the Union will need to keep legs fresh for next weekend's return home against New England.
In the hot weather conditions in Miami, Curtin suggested his substitutions might be earlier than in previous games: “Guys will help maybe earlier off the bench, for sure," he said. "That is the reality. It’s gonna be a hot night in Miami so we really need the full squad to be ready.” Overall the head coach is very happy with the personnel situation for his team right now: “We have a starting group that gave a great response and performed really well on Friday. We have young guys that are pushing for minutes, that are hungry, that could change a game."
The importance of Ale Bedoya
And than there is the team captain Alejandro Bedoya.
Curtin didn't hold back about the veteran's importance for the club. With his brace against DC United, Bedoya scored his 20th and 21st goal for the Philadelphia Union. He is now one of nine players to score at least 20 goals for the club and one of three players that has notched 20 goals and 20 assists.
“He continues to get better with age," the coach smiled. "He’ll be in the Ring of Honor here in Philadelphia. He has been an incredible player that has transformed the franchise. And it’s gotten better because of him and his leadership on the field. So we owe him everything here in Philadelphia,” Bedoya's five goals this season underline his importance to the club's results, but the captain is not done yet according to his head coach: “I know he wants to win a another trophy here," Curtin assured the media. "And lift MLS Cup. Can’t say enough things about Ale, he has been incredible”
Next Man Up
After Brandan Craig earned his first MLS minutes on Friday night, Curtin assured the media that the Homegrown, who was a lynchpin for the US U-20s throughout June, would be ready to step up if needed in defense.
“Brandan is ready to be that third guy to help us," Curtin said with certainty. "And he has got his first minutes which is always a good step.”
