Four Coach of the Week wins this season, and Jim Curtin has earned every single one of them (if not more).
The Union head man led his squad to a 5-1 thrashing of rival DC United. Philly came off two rough road outings and decided to take their anger out on the club just south of them (both geographically and in the standings.
Curtin gave Warren Creavalle his first start since March and Andrew Wooten his first start ever in MLS. He stuck with Kacper Przybylko, but gave Auston Trusty a rest. The result was epic: Five goals despite a missed penalty, with Przybylko creating a sending off and Wooten creating the first after running down Donovan Pines in a corner.
Curtin's moves showed insight into his opponent's likely strategy and a willingness to make subtle tweaks while sticking to the aggressive system that helped propel the Union into first place. This is a team that remains unafraid of everybody even as they shake off body blows from Real Salt Lake and Montreal Impact. That is a reflection of a coach that remains focused on the long-term.
And that long-term is a home playoff game.
Philadelphia wants it. Jim Curtin, a Philadelphia guy, wants it badly.
And under his leadership the club is well on its way to that goal.
