With a bunched up Eastern Conference Playoff picture, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke with the media about how he intends to approach the next ten games following Sunday’s 3-1 win against Orlando. Here are our Founders Brewing Co. Pressing Points.
Bunched Up Conference
Saturday afternoon at Subaru Park will see the fourth showdown between Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United. With standings so tight, the Boys in Blue find themselves only one point above the playoff line. Curtin said that it is imperative that the squad come out with the same intensity as last week in order to get a winning streak started. That will prove challenging though as Atlanta have won seven of its last eight contests.
“The team that’s coming in from Atlanta is playing as well as anyone in our league. They are very dangerous and dynamic with their attack,” Curtin explains.
The previous three contests saw a pair of draws and a Union win on the road during the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals but the Five Stripes have a new manager at the helm. Curtin noted that Gonzalo Pineda has been a spark plug for his squad, getting the most out of their roster.
“A new coach has injected some life into this team. There’s no secret they have an incredible amount of attacking talent.”
Atlanta has scored 10 goals in their three September matches and allowed just two. However Sunday will be the first road match of the month for the Georgia side.
Busy Stretch Ahead
Saturday will mark the beginning of a three-game in eight day stretch for the Union. With the club looking to round out the month on a winning streak, Curtin noted that he and the staff will have to make sure every single player is available for minutes.
“The schedule gets busy and the games are important this week,” Curtin said. “We’re going to need everybody to be ready.”
Curtin did note that the club will be without forward Cory Burke for awhile due to an ankle sprain. The pressure will then turn to starting forward Kacper Przybylko, who had a breakout match against Orlando City SC with a a brace and earned MLS Team of the Week honors. With Matheus Davo still adjusting to his new environment, pressure too will be on Sergio Santos who returned last weekend and caused chaos for Orlando.
Philadelphia Union hosts Atlanta United FC for Hispanic Heritage Night on Saturday, September 25th. The match is presented by BIMBO and will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can check out the match on TUDN, Univision and Twitter.
