Curtin’s Comments: October 19th

Every Wednesday Jim Curtin takes some time out of his day and fields some questions from the media. If you don’t want to watch the Facebook video of it, I’ve compiled some highlights from this week’s presser below. If you do want to watch the Facebook video of it, I’ve added that at the very bottom.

On the overall performance against Orlando, Curtin said it wasn’t good enough. The staff takes some of the blame he said, but apparently some players were also expressing disappointment in recent results, and despite disappointment in how the season ended but the “two game stretch” is an important one. The last regular season game against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday is a great way to build momentum for the second game against D.C. United, Toronto FC or New York City FC. Red Bull are the perfect team to play as a tune up for the playoffs according to Curtin, but at the same time he said there’s been some discussion of resting a few guys and throwing in a new body or two. Curtin was adamant about not changing formations so don’t expect a 4-2-4 or anything, but maybe starting Ilsinho or Roland Alberg is an option the staff is looking into.

Curtin also said that a road match-up in the playoffs isn’t a death sentence in and of itself. In a big spot he’s confident that this team can at least stay competitive.

On the injury front, Tranquillo Barnetta was in full training but they went against starting him to make sure he was healthy down the stretch. CJ Sapong is in concussion protocol but is apparently advancing through it rapidly as is defensive back Josh Yaro. Chris Pontius was out with some hamstring tightness that was a precursor to a major injury he had last year. Maurice Edu has been sharp in training according to the Union skipper and he will be available for selection come Sunday. On the striker front CJ Sapong has dried up, now with him being injured it looks like Curtin is leaning towards Fabian Herbers. Charlie Davies is coming along, and has been improving in terms of fitness but he’s only a month and a half removed (thankfully) from a battle with cancer so the likeliness of him playing a full game is very slim. Davies wants to go, and is mentally ready for it, his body just has to catch up to his mind.

Thoughts before any of this shakes out this weekend? Do you agree with what Coach said? Should they try another formation? Will we ever see Mo back for the Union? Let us know in the comments.