Philadelphia Union will continue their push for the postseason against NYCFC on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, taking on another formidable opponent in quick succesion. On Tuesday before the team's bus trip up 1-95, Head Coach Jim Curtin met with the media, previewing his team's upcoming match.
Pushing for points
There are just six regular season matches left on Philadelphia Union’s schedule, which means there are just six more opportunities to earn points before Major League Soccer Decision Day on October 19th.
Curtin kicked off his press conference with his hopes from the team as they look to build off of their hard-fought 3-1 loss in Miami.
“Just to reflect quickly on Miami, a performance that I thought was strong. We did some things really well, but were punished by a top team. Stressed to the guys, now, if we can attack and defend and be a little more ruthless in front of goal down the stretch here, we can find ourselves in the playoffs. If we don't do those things, we also have to recognize the urgency and the fact that we're running out of games to execute,” Curtin said.
Urgency is apparent, and their pursuit of points will continue in New York City against a conference rival that sits in 6th place with 40 points.
“When we go on the road against a strong New York City team, a team that we have obviously a good history with, intense games and playoff games, we have to be at our very best. Have to deal with the uniqueness of the field and all that entails. They're obviously very used to it, and very good at playing at home. So again, we'll have to be on our game to find a way to go down there and bring some points back to Philly.”
Injury updates
Andre Blake missed Saturday’s match in Miami due to injury, and his presence could be game-changing in the action ahead. Curtin explained that the Jamaican goalkeeper, along with Danley Jean Jaques who returned from international play for Haiti with an ankle injury, are both day-to-day.
“We'll have to make a decision on them. We'll see them now after this press conference, and do what's best for them, obviously short term and long term, but also urgency,” Curtin said.
Despite the injury, Danley was able to contribute eight minutes against Miami, coming off the bench as a sub.
“I would say he still has pain in his ankle. He hasn't really had ankle injuries before, so it's a little bit new to him. If you go back and see that tackle [with Haiti] it was a bad one. That lasts five to 10% is the hardest to get back right? It usually tends to heal quickly. The medical staff does a good job getting the swelling out, and then that lasts when you're changing directions. For a guy who changes quickly and as dynamically as Danley, that last five to 10% kind of still feels a little uncomfortable for him,” Curtin said.
“Obviously, he jumped in and did a good job. I thought the Miami game was strong there, but then you're on a flight, you have swelling, different things happen, how it responds. Was able to train the last two days, but we still have to make a decision that is smart, not only for Wednesday night, but the rest of the year, while also still having that urgency that we recognize we're running out of games too.”
Centerback swap
After picking up a 56th minute yellow against Inter Miami, Jack Elliott is unavailable for Wednesday night’s matchup due to card accumulation. With the recent departure of Damion Lowe, the team is thin on defensive subs, but Head Coach Jim Curitn revealed that Homegrown defender Nate Harriel will take over the spot for the match, shifting from his natural right back position.
With the move, Olivier Mbaizo will man the right side, as has been the case on multiple occasions this year including during Harriel’s Olympic call-up to Team USA.
As for a backup centerback, Curtin named Olwethu Makhanya as an option off the bench – if the 20-year-old South African is subbed into the match, the moment would mark his Philadelphia Union debut. Since signing with the team in July 2023, he’s been primarily contributing for Union II, the team’s MLS Next Pro side, while training with the first team.
“We can play either of those guys, and they do a great job for us. So there is a chance for other guys to step up, some in some new spots, some in some familiar spots, and an important game on Wednesday where we can't feel sorry about who's not here. We have to find a way to roll up the sleeves and get a result.”
