Philadelphia Union is back on the road, heading midwest for a match against Chicago Fire on Wednesday. Before they took off for their trip, Head Coach Jim Curtin met with the media, previewing the match to come.
Learning From Mistakes
The midweek match marks the team’s second contest this week; they took on CF Montreal in on Saturday, but ultimately left Canada with no points in tow. To start his press conference, Curtin reflected on the challenges his team faced in the matchup, and their mindset heading into the upcoming match.
“I thought we started the right way. We played out of a 4-4-2, a little bit flatter, got two goals in the first half. We had a big mistake on their second goal, and from there kind, I thought we lost a little bit of confidence. We still got to the end of the game in a position where there's a minute left and you have to kind of grind out and maybe at that moment accept a point but we didn’t get the job done and are punished again,” Curtin said.
“Watched the film and analyzed it with the group. Tried to make some points where we can improve on and make it right in Chicago.”
Just like they were in Chicago, the team will remain shorthanded due to injuries nd international call-ups. Curtin’s team is aware of the challenges they face, but they won’t let them stifle their determination to change this season’s trajectory.
“A tough task now to go on a midweek game. Obviously we're a little bit thin, but at the same time now, I’ve said it several times. The only guys that are going to get us out are the ones that are here, the ones that are healthy, and it starts tomorrow night,” Curtin said.
Injury Updates
As for the injured players remaining in Chester, Curtin gave insight on their respective recoveries.
“Alejandro [Bedoya] was back training today which was good. Not quite ready to make the trip with us but he’s been a real voice in the locker room in what’s been a really tough time. Andre [Blake] is back on the field as well but not quite ready to rejoin the group but another guy that is trying to help the group as best he can. They are two of our captains and it is a little more challenging when you are not on the trips or on the field fully yet but those guys are getting closer,” Curtin explained.
“Mikael Uhre will still be out as he rehabs and hopefully in another week or two he’ll be back with the group.”
Unfavorably for the Union, Tai Baribo picked up an injury before the Montreal match, and although he still contributed starting minutes to the match, the injury has persisted, and he’s questionable to play against Chicago.
“Tai’s back is going through some spasms that happened before the game in Montreal. He pushed through it and played to his credit but doesn’t feel good right now and we’ll meet with him to see if he’s able to make the trip,” Curtin said.
“So, it doesn't get any easier for us. You guys know who's here who's not and how hard it can be, but again we have to find a way to grind out some results here this week.”
