Jim Curtin speaks on impressive season opener and tough matches ahead

Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin began this week’s media availability by praising the almost 19,000 crammed into a sold-out Subaru Park last Saturday. Curtin thanked the fans for their immense support and noted that they have been crucial in helping the club extend their home unbeaten streak to 20 games. While he explained that it had been a great first week of the season, Curtin was clear that it would only get tougher from here.

Curtin explained that the win over Columbus was a fantastic way to begin the season, explicitly noting the Union’s resilience after falling behind. Julián Carranza and Daniel Gazdag’s two-goal outings earned them places in the MLS Team of the Matchday, which Curtin proudly exclaimed was deserved. Fielding a question about Carranza led to Curtin explaining that the 22-year-old Striker has what it takes to play at any level, explicitly noting his work rate and defensive ability. A note followed this remark that the Union would inevitably “be fending off a lot of offers in the summer” for the striker.

Curtin then shifted his praises to the remainder of the attacking trio. Despite not finding himself on the scoresheet, Mikael Uhre’s defensive performance was then complemented thoroughly. The Union head coach finished up on the topic of the season opener by noting that the attacking trio of Gazdag, Carranza, and Uhre share something “special” both in training and matches. Curtin finally remarked that he considered himself fortunate to watch the three link up daily. Focus then shifted to the Union’s upcoming trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to face Inter Miami CF this Saturday. Curtin praised Miami manager Phil Neville for his immense work with the club last season. Curtin then spread praises across the Miami midfield and attack before toasting the club’s new star signing, Josef Martinez. Despite the absence of Miami’s Leonardo Campana, Curtin noted that this weekend would be a big test for the club.

In a quick note on former Union Academy player Shanyder Borgelin, Curtin praised the 21-year-old for scoring his first top-flight goal for Miami last weekend against CF Montréal. Then proudly explaining that “we won’t be a club that blocks those chances” regarding academy players exploring other options.

In a Miami-related transition, Curtin praised new singing Damion Lowe, who recently arrived from the Florida Club. Curtin explained that he has been highly impressed by the Center Back, teasing that he “will have a big season for us.” Curtin then less cryptically explained this to mean a healthy amount of starts for the Jamaican.

In mentioning next Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions League fixture in El Salvador, Curtin noted that the Round of 16 Away Leg would be adamant for the Union. Despite the intense atmosphere and conditions that await, Curtin mentioned that the club’s newfound depth would be critical to success against Alianza FC. Curtin noted that many players are hungry to earn a spot on the field and that “trusting our roster” will be vital in handling the many competitions this season.

As part of this examination of the Union roster, Curtin was asked about second-team forward José Riasco’s development. Curtin noted that the player has had trouble with the language barrier in training but shows immense talent and potential. Curtin concluded by stating that the Venezuelan has more work to do before fully joining the first team but has impressed within the club.

As Philadelphia looks ahead to four fixtures in 11 days, depth will be essential for the Union to try and maximize success in both the regular season and Champions League action.