With Philadelphia Union’s Group A finale just two days away, Head Coach Jim Curtin spent Saturday morning chatting with members of the Union press. Below are a few takeaways from his 20-minute presser.
Ticket booked but points are important
During a normal competition that features group stage contests followed by a knockout tournament, once you secure your place into the Round of 16, teams might go for resting players especially given the hot and humid conditions in Orlando. That isn’t the case for the MLS is Back Tournament with all three group stage matches not only counting for the tournament but the 2020 season. An element that Curtin and his players are very much aware of.
“It becomes about mentality because it’s a unique situation because usually when you get through the group the tendency is to take the foot off the gas and rotate the team and give guys an opportunity who haven’t played much,” Curtin said. “This is such a unique way because they are fully motivated to get a result as Orlando sees it as three points in the league and we see it was three points in the league. I think we’re both going to field our best teams.”
Curtin continued to street the importance of the match with many things still unknown about what the 2020 MLS schedule or format will look like after the MLS is Back Tournament. With so many unknowns, Curtin and the Union know that Monday night’s match is crucial.
“Nine points in the league is everything. The first three games of this competition to be worth nine points in our league there brings an element of pride that goes with winning three in a row. There is an element that Orlando is a competitor in the Eastern Conference so there is a ton on the table for this match. It’s unique because we are already through but this game has a lot on the line.
Creavalle set to take Martinez’s place
With the MLS Disciplinary Committee suspended defensive midfielder Jose Martinez for one match after an encounter against Inter Miami CF, Curtin was quick to confidently name Warren Creavalle as a starter in the Union midfield against Orlando City SC. Creavalle brings experience in front of the defense and did start in the club’s 2020 regular season opener at FC Dallas in February.
“First and foremost Warren has done a great job there for us and its an easy swap there and he’s earned the right to start there. He’s been tremendous for us in the minutes he’s played and we have complete confidence in him to play and do the job.
Meanwhile Curtin once again will add the play to a list of opportunities for Martinez to learn from as he’s picked up three yellow cards in each of his starts for the Union in 2020.
“This will be part of Jose’s growth and development. As I’ve said on previous calls he’s been the razor’s edge and one foul away from getting a red card. I want him to keep that aggressiveness but he will need to adjust to the way things are refereed here in the United States.”
Philadelphia Union goes for the top spot in Group A on Monday night against the hometown Orlando City SC squad. Kick off is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast in English on ESPN while TUDN will have the match in Spanish.
