Philadelphia Union have dropped two points total in the five games since they fell on the road to Toronto FC. Along the way, they switched shapes and won without Jose Martinez. Then they lost Alejandro Bedoya and started Jack Elliott in midfield. They lost Ray Gaddis and didn't miss a beat. They leaned on Anthony Fontana and Olivier Mbaizo and Matt Real.
Many things could have stopped the Union's momentum in its tracks, but none of them did.
Jim Curtin has taken a team of homegrowns and veterans and melded them into a unit that steps in for each other with ease. Every time Curtin turns to someone new, they rise to the occasion because he has prepared them to do so, and taught them how to prepare themselves.
Week after week, the Union continue to outwork opponents and show an attitude that is distinctively Philadelphian in its brash, unapologetic grit and confidence.
The only thing critics had left to hold over Curtin's head was the Philly hadn't beaten the other top teams in the east. Sure, they drew with Orlando, going toe-to-toe with Nani in the process. Yeah, they had only faced Columbus and Toronto on the road. Still, people wanted more.
So Curtin and his team rolled up their sleeves, rolled into Subaru Park, and rolled over Toronto like a monster truck working its way over eleven red and white cars.
The 5-0 scoreline reflected the match. The Union dominated - Curtin had them ready.
He's one of the best in the league right now, and his team believes in him.
