Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin discussed his plan of attack for the remaining 11 games of the regular season following the club’s disappointing 2‐0 loss to Club America in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals.. Here are our Founders Brewing Co. Pressing Points.
Keeping the Level Raised
Now that their Champions League run has come to an end, Philadelphia Union must quickly shift their attention to their MLS slate. While the Boys in Blue are currently just below the playoff line in 9th place, Curtin reminded the group the standings are so tight that every single point cannot be taken for granted.
“We have to regroup now, we have a very tough opponent in Orlando coming in, the message to the team is that if we play at the level and intensity that were capable of, then the results will fall into place for us,” Curtin said.
With Club America being arguably the best team they will face all year and standings being so tight, there is no time to drop the level the boys showed they’re capable of reaching on Wednesday. Curtin explained that they intend to take the confidence they gained in the last game and use it to their advantage moving into league play.
Going into Sunday’s match at Subaru Park, they will have to maintain the same intensity they displayed in the Club America game, despite the unfavorable outcome.
When asked how they will do this, Curtin explained that the goal of the team is to have that feeling of the importance of every game being like a final.
Final Stretch Begins Now
Of the remaining 11 matches, five will take place at Subaru Park and Curtin spoke about the importance of finding a groove at the right time when trying to win the Eastern Conference and make it to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
“We have to get in that’s our goal,” he explained. “It’s not necessarily who’s the hottest team right now, it’s who’s the hottest team in October and November who lift that cup.”
The Union will be facing a disgruntled Orlando who will have to overcome two red card suspensions against Nani and Perea, a slew of injuries, and travel in order to claim the three points up for grabs.
“it’s our time now and in our hands to end the season the right way” Curtin said. “If we play at our level of play we will be in the playoffs, and from there we can beat anybody.”
Philadelphia Union hosts Orlando City SC for Kick Childhood Cancer Night on Sunday, September 19th. Kick off from Subaru Park is set for 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast coast to coast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
