The Rolling (like a football on the pitch) Philadelphia Union Thread

[Philsmania]

Union and head coach Jim Curtin, most successful head coach in franchise history, part ways.

Philadelphia Union Part Ways With Head Coach Jim Curtin | Philadelphia Union

[VoteForKalas]

Local guy who made good with his local team. He is a very good coach.

I do not understand this move from the Union's POV, but Curtin will have his choice of many opportunities in MLS and other leagues. Good luck, Jim!

[zambonir]

Seems like it is probably 1/3 scapegoating, 1/3 legit time for a change and 1/3 he's probably tired of that ownership/front office himself.

I didn't realize he was from Oreland specifically (my part of the 'burbs, roughly).

[Philsmania]

Finding a job won't be a problem for him. He might be the next USMNT coach. Some even think a Euro team may be interested in him.

[VoteForKalas]

Agree, as I said in my post, I think he will have his choice of many opportunities.

[zambonir]

It's kind of funny, as much as we all understand that he's an amazing coach, and that the Union have had some great success, imagine anyone coaching the Phillies, Sixers, Flyers or Eagles for 10 years without winning a single championship (or even tournament. Just the one Supporter's Shield). Even just the way '23 and '24 ended up would have already cost Thomson his job (and still might cost Sirrianni his). I would say that is largely to the Union's credit though. And people know it's not all about the coach either.

[Docs]

Finding a job won't be a problem for him. He might be the next USMNT coach

It will be two years before they’re looking again at the earliest, he needs to make a stop in between unless team USA hires him as an assistant.

[zambonir]

Coaching staff seems pretty full as well. Would have been a nice touch locally if not for the fact that Team USA doesn't even have a group play match here.

He can surely pick his next job, depending on whether he wants a year off, where he wants to live, and what overseas opportunities may exist. In theory he could also catch on with another country's national team though I assume most are equally set.

[Philsmania]

Union is off to a nice start here in 2025. I had thought the window had closed for them. Maybe not?

[zambonir]

Well, at least soccer is a sport that values regular season championships. And I guess if you're gonna lay a playoff egg like that, do it on the same day that the Eagles are choking against the Cowboys.

Gotta think that Tanner's suspension was a factor too.

[Philsmania]

I watched the match. Man, the Union had chances but just couldn't punch the ball in the goal. Some credit goes to NYFC goaltender but so many kicks sailed too wide or too high.

Only twice in MLS history has the Supporters' Shield winner won the MLS Cup

Yesterday was up there with the other epic bad days in Philadelphia sports. October 16, 1883--Phillies lose deciding game game of WS while Eagles, Sixers and Flyers all lose. November 5, 2022--Phillies and Union lose championships on the same day. And then yesterday--Flyers lose, Eagles fold and lose, Union knocked out of playoffs.